Did you know that the sump pump was invented in 1946 by a member of the United States Navy? A sump pump is a vital piece of hardware that homeowners should look to own as part of their home plumbing and home maintenance needs. The sad reality is that floods in the home can happen no matter where you live.
Sump pump maintenance is worth the money you’ll save when preventing widespread water damage in your home. If you’re new to sump pump care, then you’re in luck. You’ve found the perfect article to learn everything you need about how your sump pump works and the best maintenance tips for keeping it pristine.
Keep reading to learn more about sump pump maintenance today!
Understand How Your Sump Pump Works
The biggest key to providing sump pump care to your home’s sump pump is to have an understanding of how it works. Some sump pumps have features that keep them from running on a continuous cycle which could cause harm to the internal components. Others have a float switch which is great for turning the pump off when the water reaches a certain level.
Start by determining how old your sump pump is and the type of sump pump that is installed in your home. It’s also good to note any issues you’ve experienced in the past with your home plumbing and sump pump.
Regularly Inspect Your Sump Pump
Another key to keeping your sump pump working at optimal levels is to inspect it regularly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, then the odds are that you’ll need your sump pump sooner than later. Take the time to check your pump to see if there are any clogs or signs of damage.
The best time to get a sump pump repaired is when you don’t need your sump pump. Inspecting the pump consistently will keep a minor problem from becoming an expensive and significant issue at your home.
It’s also a good idea to check your sump pump to see if it’s connected to your washing machine. The soapy water that comes from doing laundry could cause areas to clog, leading to flooding in your home. If you see any issues with your pump, then it’s a wise move to schedule repairs and learn more about what might be causing the home maintenance issues.
Check the Gaskets
The gaskets in your sump pump are also troublesome if you don’t check them regularly. The gaskets are one of the first places in your sump pump that you should check when you’re performing sump pump care at home. These gaskets are the barriers that prevent the water from escaping from the pump and getting into your basement or the pump’s motor.
A leaky gasket could result in thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home and the need for a new sump pump. It’s normal for the material used for the gaskets to degrade or crack over a period of time. The only way to prevent a leaky gasket is to stay on top of inspecting it for damage or other issues.
Drain Your Basin
Draining your sump pump’s basin is another key step if you’re worried about pump maintenance. A good rule of thumb to follow for sump pump care is to drain your sump pump’s basin at least once each month. It’s also a great way to check to see if your sump pump’s float switch is working properly.
Some sump pumps operate on a battery to power the motor. If that’s the case with your sump pump, you should remove the battery while draining the basin to allow it to dry out. Taking this step will prevent corrosion and allow you to get a lot more life from your sump pump battery.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the maintenance of your backup sump pump if you have one installed at your home. Check the backup pump every few months to make sure that nothing has gone wrong with it. You’ll have peace of mind that your pumps are ready to go if disaster strikes.
Clean the Basin
You should also set some time aside to clean your sump pump’s basin every now and then. Storms and sewage are sure to cause a buildup of debris and dirt in the basin, especially during the wetter months of the year. Your sump pump won’t operate in an efficient manner if there is a bunch of debris in your basin.
Replace the Sump Pump Filter
The sump pump’s filter is arguably the most important component of a working sump pump. It doesn’t take long for a sump pump filter to get clogged with dirt, soap, and other debris. It’s a good idea to keep an ear open for how long your sump pump operates at a time.
Longer operating times could mean that your filter is clogged, and a failure to address this could result in the need for sump pump repair. If the filter and the gaskets don’t have anything wrong with them, then your best bet is to schedule a sump pump repair with a professional.
Combining that with covering your sump pump basin will keep your pump in great condition for years to come. Taking the time for home maintenance is a much better alternative to dealing with a flooded basement after your next big rainstorm.
Practice Good Sump Pump Maintenance at Your Home
Practicing good sump pump maintenance is inexpensive, and it could prevent thousands of dollars in water damage to your home. Be diligent when checking the gaskets and the filter on your home’s sump pump for proper sump pump care. You should also stay on a monthly schedule for draining and cleaning your sump pump’s basin to ward off sump pump repair.
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