How To Maintain an Effective Sump Pump

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your sump pump running smoothly all year long

Annual and Quarterly Maintenance Tips

A sump pump is probably not something you think about very often. If it doesn't work when you need it, however, it comes to the forefront of your thoughts pretty quickly. To keep your pump running effectively in your home in Burning Tree, OK, it's important to conduct pump maintenance on a routine basis. Listed below are some annual and quarterly maintenance tips to follow.

1. Annual Maintenance
Make sure your unit is plugged into a power source that connects to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Ensure that the cord is not frayed or damaged. The pump must be level and upright in order to run properly.
It's important to note that before you begin any additional maintenance on your pump, you must make sure it is disconnected from the power supply.

Inspect the discharge pipe, the vent hole and the intake screen for debris, such as dirt and gravel, and remove it.
Make sure the drainage pipe is tightened securely and points away from the foundation of your home.
Check the pit and remove any debris. Also, make sure that there is no obstruction around the float component.

Once you have inspected the sump pump and removed all the debris, reconnect it to the power source. Then fill the basin with water. This should cause the pump to start draining the water immediately. If it doesn't, call a maintenance person as soon as possible.
If you have a pump with a battery backup, replace the battery per the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Quarterly Maintenance
In addition to the annual inspection, many experts recommend that you conduct some quarterly cleaning as well. Locate the pump's screen and clean it with a soft cloth. Some models have an inlet opening rather than a screen. This can be cleaned gently with a soft cloth as well.
Keep your sump pump running smoothly all year long by following these maintenance tips. If your pump begins to overflow, contact a water damage repair person right away.