Properly caring for and maintaining your sump pump can help to extend its lifespan, reduce the number of repairs the unit may need, and help prevent the unit from failing. Regularly testing a sump pump, hiring a professional to maintain it, and replacing it when the time comes is vital to keeping yours well-maintained. Keep reading to get answers to some of the questions you may have about sump pumps from an industry professional.
Why’s It Important to Regularly Test Yours?
A sump pump isn’t something that runs all the time. It only kicks on when the water levels rise, such as when there are periods of heavy rains. Unfortunately, if you don’t regularly test yours, you may not realize that it needs repairs or isn’t working until it’s too late.
By regularly testing your sump pump, you can ensure it’s functional and ready to go when needed. Most professionals recommend that it be tested once every three months, or every season. You may also want to consider testing when a large storm is headed your way.
How Do You Test It?
Testing a sump pump is easy. Fill up the pit that your sump pump is located in with water and see if the pump turns on. If the sump pump doesn’t turn on, check to make sure it’s connected to a power source. If the sump pump turns on, watch to ensure the water is being pumped out of the pit without issue.
If it turns on, but the water doesn’t drain, there may be a leak in a pipe or the discharge drain may be clogged. Continue to watch until the pump completes a full cycle and shuts off. If there are any issues, you want to call in a professional to repair your sump pump in a timely manner.
What Type of Maintenance Does It Need?
In addition to testing a sump pump, it also requires annual maintenance. This type of maintenance should be performed by a sump pump professional. While there’s no wrong time of year to have this service completed, homeowners tend to prefer to have maintenance completed prior to the rainy season, ensuring their sump pump is functional and ready for inclement weather.
During a maintenance appointment, a professional will remove the sump pump. They will thoroughly clean the sump pump, the pit and ensure the drainage line is free and clear of obstacles. They will also inspect all of the components, looking for signs of damage or wear that may need to be addressed.
Why Is Regular Maintenance Important?
It’s important to regularly maintain your sump pump for a few different reasons. Regular maintenance helps to extend the life of your pump, helping it to last as long as possible. Regular maintenance also helps to catch minor issues that need to be repaired before they turn into much larger issues.
Lastly, regular sump pump maintenance helps to ensure that your unit is functional and operational, helping to decrease the chances of your unit failing when you need it to work.
What Are the Signs It Needs to Be Replaced?
A sump pump usually lasts about seven to 10 years, when it’s maintained. Since this is a large range, it’s important to know what the signs are that yours is failing and needs to be replaced. If it’s constantly running, needs frequent repairs, or is often clogged, it may need to be replaced. You may also want to replace your unit if it has become unreliable, and you no longer trust it to function when you most need it to.
Sump pumps are commonly used around construction sites, near the foundation of homes or businesses, or in the basements of homes. The pumps are placed in pits at the lowest point of a home or building. They detect rising water levels, and when the level starts to increase, the pump kicks in, pumping water away from the home or building.
This helps to prevent water buildup in an area that can lead to flooding. Maintaining and testing a sump pump is key to helping yours to last and ensuring it functions when it needs to.
