A sump pump is a major component in any home that is at risk to water ingress or flooding, it is essential in many basements in order to help rainwater/groundwater from entering. Any excess water that might have pooled up, under or around your home, will drain into a sump pump pit, which is then pumped away from the home and foundations. Just like most other appliances that might be found in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance in order to keep it functioning efficiently. Throughout this article we will be giving some fundamental tips which will help to ensure that your sump pump continues to function to its maximum ability.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips:
It is important to be consistent with the maintenance for your pump, in order to minimise the chance of your home flooding. It is advisable to call out a professional in order to do this maintenance, but there are some simple steps you can take to improve the systems functionality.
• Flush the system with water three to four times a year, in order to remove any debris and residue that might have built up.
• Make sure that the float is unobstructed and can move smoothly without resistance (otherwise it may fail to activate when the water level gets too high).
• Visually scan the pit, and remove any debris, stones or mud.
• Test the pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the system, and ensure that the float rises alongside the water level, triggering the pump to start discharging.
• Water should be discharging away from the buildings and its foundations.
• It is advisable to disconnect the pump from the power source, and remove the unit.
• You should also replace the backup battery every two to three years.
How often should I clean my sump pump?
With there being a variety of different sump pump systems, it is often a good idea to consult your manual for the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance and schedules. However, it is advisable to follow the following schedule for maintenance:
• Monthly: If your sump pump is connected to, and disposing of water from a basement regularly, a monthly cleaning out of the pump screen and inlet is advisable. You should disconnect the pump from the power supply before cleaning, and ensure its plugged back in once completed.
• Quarterly: If your sump doesn’t dispose of water regularly, then the screen could be cleaned every-one, to three months.
• Annually: You should remove the sump pump, and clean both the pump and kit, at least once a year to ensure its functioning effectively and efficiently.
A professional inspection of your sump pump system annually will help to ensure that it is working properly, and also prolong the pumps lifespan in the long run. Contact LABS Basements and Damp Proofing, for further info on getting a service booked in.
Sump pump problems to look for:
If any of these problems occur, it is important for you to call a professional to come out and look at the system. Damage that can be done by a failed pump, could cost ten times as much as it would have been to fix the system earlier in its life cycle, therefore it is very important that you keep an eye out for any of the issues arising, and contact a professional to come and fix it sooner rather than later. Here are some of the issues that could arise:
• Power failures! If your power goes out, the pump system is completely useless and could flood when the sump reaches capacity.
• The sump becoming overwhelmed, it is important to select a pump system that will fit your requirement for water discharge. Selecting a cheap pump, with low capacity, might only lead to further costs if the pump is unable to keep up with the amount of water it has to discharge, and could even flood.
• A stuck sump pump switch
• Water freezing during cold periods, can cause blockages to the system, which would result in a flood if the issue is left unattended.
• Old age, the life cycle of a pump is around five to seven years, and it is advisable to replace them in this time frame to ensure that the system works to its maximum efficiency. An older pump might even fail without warning, which could result in a flood.
If you’re running in to any of these issues, or think you might have a problem with your sump pump, then the experts at LABS are on call! We’re here to give you our expert opinion, no sales pitch. Call LABS Building Services today on 0114 2302865 for any issues relating to your pump system or plumbing.