Sump pumps are essential tools in homes that may be susceptible to flooding and water damage, including basements and crawl spaces. A sump pump will help prevent flooding in your home and save you money in repairs and remodeling costs down the road.
Installing a sump pump is an excellent idea, but regular maintenance of it should also be performed to make sure that it functions efficiently and can last as long as possible – this will protect your home from water damage while decreasing the chance of having to replace expensive items such as furniture and flooring.
Float switch: Your float switch is an integral component of your sump pump system that automatically turns it on and off with changes to water level, so it is vital that it remains functioning correctly and doesn’t become stuck in its on position, leading to constant pump operation that places unnecessary strain on its motor, leading to its eventual breakdown before its intended lifespan. Regular inspection should ensure this remains operating optimally.
Backup Batteries: Battery backup sump pumps can come in handy in the event that your primary sump pump experiences an electrical outage and needs replacing. In this way, you can protect your home and belongings from water damage during storms without having to get up out of bed during the night to run them manually.
Install a back-up sump pump as well as a water alarm to alert you if its operation becomes compromised. These devices monitor basement water levels and will alert you if too much is rising too fast.
An alarm is an invaluable asset if you live in an area prone to flooding, alerting you before your sump pump becomes overwhelmed with excess water in your basement. Furthermore, ensure your backup pump has its own source of power so it will continue functioning even if the primary unit stops functioning.
Heat Dissipation – Dissipating heat produced by electrical motors is crucial to the lifespan of any sump pump system, so homeowners looking for long-lasting and dependable pumps without overheating issues should choose those featuring cast iron cores as this will allow heat dissipation more effectively.
Cleaning: To keep your sump pump operating efficiently and keep it in great condition, pull its cover off periodically to clean. This helps remove mud and rocks which could clog its discharge pipe.
Before lifting your sump pump from its pit, be sure to disconnect its power cord so as to prevent getting any dirt or debris on it that could potentially harm the motor or clog its pipework.
To prevent clogs and blockages in the sump pit and filter screen, drain regularly for pumps that handle waste from appliances; quarterly for those that don’t. Also pour enough water into the pit to test that its functioning correctly as this will help determine if you sump pump requires repairs.
