A sump pump offers West Caldwell homeowners unmatched peace of mind when it comes to protecting their homes from basement flooding. If your sump pump needs service, contact an expert as soon as possible to prevent costly water damage.
A faulty float valve can prevent your sump pump from activating when the pit is filled with floodwater. Frozen or clogged discharge pipes can also cause your pump to fail.
Installing a Sump Pump
Despite the fact that sump pumps seem like complicated and confusing machines, they are actually quite simple. They essentially take water that accumulates in your pit and then pumps it out of the house. Having one of these installed prevents your basement from flooding which can cause thousands of dollars in damages.
If you are thinking of installing a sump pump in your home, consult a professional plumber to ensure that you get the right size for your needs. An incorrectly sized pump will not function properly and may result in cycling which shortens the lifespan of the machine.
You should also consider getting a battery backup pump to work in case of a power outage. While a conventional sump pump will still operate, the battery will kick in to keep your basement safe and dry. You can even have a combined system that has both a battery and a regular electric sump pump.
Testing Your Sump Pump
After years in the emergency disaster cleanup and recovery business, we’ve come to understand that it’s often the small tasks, like testing your sump pump that prevent a costly flood or water damage. This is one task that you can do yourself, and it only takes about five minutes to complete.
Pour water from a bucket into your sump pump until the pressure or float switch is activated. If your pump runs, it will evacuate the collected water through a pipe to the outside of your home, which should be located in a sloped area far away from the foundation.
Also examine the grate at the bottom of your sump pit, removing any debris that could clog the drainage pipe. This is an important step to take every time you test your pump, especially before the first storm of the season.
Cleaning Your Sump Pit
The first thing you will need to do is drain the pit. This can be done with a wet-dry vacuum or you may want to use a plastic cup to scoop out additional grime. Next you will need to wipe down the pump and basin with a disinfectant, such as bleach vinegar. This will kill any bacteria and germs that have been growing in the dark, damp pit.
Next, you will need to remove the pump from the pit. This can be a messy job so you might want to wrap it in a plastic sheet. After that, you will need to clean it with a garden hose and a tool like a plastic scraper or putty knife to get rid of any caked on grime.
Once your pump is cleaned, you will need to reattach it to the discharge pipe and plug it back in. Be sure to reconnect any alarms or backup batteries as well.
Maintaining Your Sump Pump
If your sump pump doesn’t work, it can lead to expensive property damage. That’s why it’s important to test your sump pump on a regular basis. A licensed plumber can help you do this quickly and efficiently.
Testing your sump pump is as simple as pouring a bucket of water into your pit until it triggers the pressure or float switch. It’s also a good idea to have your sump pump cleaned on a regular basis. This will ensure that clogs and other problems are not developing.
It’s also a good idea to install a battery backup pump in case of a power outage. This will prevent your basement from flooding during a storm or other emergency situation. You can find these pumps online or at your local hardware store. They are available in a variety of sizes, horsepower and features, including a backup battery or switch. The best choice for your home depends on the size of your basement, the number of rooms and the frequency with which it floods.
