Sump pump maintenance may not be your favorite chore, but keeping your system in good working order and protecting your basement from flooding is essential. Having a sump pump also helps protect you and your home from any water damage caused by leaky pipes or water seepage through cracks in the basement walls. To help you make sure your sump pump is in good working order, read on for maintenance tips from experienced plumber experts such as Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dallas.
It’s important to know how to install a sump pump and maintain it properly, so it doesn’t stop working when you need it. This will help ensure that your sump pump can continue to keep your basement dry and safe, even during heavy rain and floods. Here are some ways to help maintain your sump pump correctly, ensuring that it will last you as long as possible and giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your basement will always be dry.
5 Tips to Maintain Pump Sump Correctly
Check The Discharge Pipe Regularly
Every sump pump has two pipes that connect it to the home’s plumbing system. The discharge pipe is the one that carries water from the home’s drain back to the sump pit outside. On the other hand, the suction pipe brings water from outside into the pump. Check both pipes regularly for cracks or leaks and ensure there are no blockages. You can do this using a garden hose to run water through them; if you see any discoloration, call your plumber.
Keep The Pump Basin Free Of Debris
A sump pump removes water that seeps in below the ground level. Maintaining the basin of the pump is essential by keeping it free of debris, which could obstruct the flow of water. The best way to do this is by emptying any excess water that accumulates in the area and ensuring there are no items or objects on top of it. Be sure to check the basin every three months and clean off any leaves or other organic matter that collects in it.
Inspect The Check Valve
It is important to inspect the check valve on the sump pump regularly. The check valve prevents water in the sump pit from flowing back into your house. If you notice any leak or other damage, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. It is good to replace the check valve every two years or when changing your filter, whichever comes first.
Don’t Miss Out On The Battery Backup
Battery backup is essential to any sump pump, but it is also important to maintain the battery properly. You should keep the battery fully charged and test it monthly with a voltmeter.
A low voltage reading signals that you need to replace your battery or recharge it as soon as possible, while an overcharged reading indicates that your charge is too high and the power needs to be reduced by removing some cables from the circuit or by adding a resistor in series with the wires powering the charger.
Check The Sump Pump Regularly
The best way to maintain your sump pump is to have it checked regularly by someone who knows what they are doing. You should also periodically check the discharge line, which brings water from the pump up and out of the pit, for blockages.
Final words
Understand how to install a sump pump and if you find any blockages, remove them immediately, making sure that nothing gets into the discharge line. Cleaning the screen on top of your sump pump will also help protect it from leaves and other things that can clog it up. When you doubt something is wrong with it, consider calling an expert for help!
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