Sump pumps are one of the most neglected systems in American homes. A functioning sump pump is easy to forget because it does its work silently and without any need for the direct participation of its owner. As a result, Mark Thomas Property Management team notes that homeowners often neglect to regularly care for their sump pump.
That is until they get a rude and costly reminder of the importance of their sump pump system. This reminder usually comes in the form of a flood incident inside their home as a result of the unexpected failure of their sump pump. This sort of negligence can cost a homeowner in many ways.
The financial consequences of neglecting your sump pump
Constant breakdowns and costly repairs
Routine checks help you detect minor issues with your sump pump before they become major problems. If these periodic checks are not done, those minor problems will fester until they become bigger problems that cost a lot of money to fix.
Basement flooding with property damage
A small flood in your basement can cost thousands of dollars to fix. This cost is higher if the basement is finished or being used as a storage space. In addition to the cost of fixing your walls and flooring, you may also have to replace any appliances in the area.
Shorter equipment lifespan
You want your sump pump to exceed its life expectancy. You also expect its maintenance cost to be minimal throughout its service life. But these will only happen if the pump is maintained properly. A neglected sump pump will fail well before its projected lifespan.
Costly indoor air quality issues
If your basement is flooded due to a sump pump malfunction, your home can become a haven for mold. Mold spores and mold gases can impair your home’s indoor air quality. It will cause a spike in allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory illnesses among your family members.
Depressed property value
A history of basement flooding, water damage and mold will hurt the market value of your property. These problems can even affect the structural integrity of your house to the point of making the home practically unsalable.
What does it cost to maintain your sump pump?
Compared to the consequences of neglecting your sump pump, the cost of maintaining the sump pump is insignificant. That is because by caring for the sump pump, you actively prevent problems. Since there are fewer problems to solve, there are also fewer opportunities to waste your money.
How do you care for a sump pump to have lower overall maintenance costs?
Every month
Test the sump pump backup system at least once a month. Your sump pump needs a backup if it is connected to your home’s power supply. If there is a power outage, a battery-powered backup sump pump will help to keep your home safe. However, it is essential to check and test this backup system every month to ensure it is working.
Every 3-4 months
Perform the following tasks quarterly to keep your sump pump in shape. Most of these jobs will only take a few minutes to complete, but you do need to set a reminder for them.
- Check the electrical connections. Ensure the system is plugged into the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet. Check the cord and outlet for signs of damage or wear.
- Clean the sump pump inlet to get rid of mud and debris. Hose the pump down to remove any dirt sticking to it. Do the same with the sump basin and basin cover.
- Test the sump pump by pouring water into the basin until the pump activates. Listen for strange noises as the pump works. Wait to see if the pump will power off after emptying the basin.
- Check to make sure the pump is not tilted to one side. The sump pump must be level and upright.
Once a year
Ideally, these checks should be done by a professional plumber. Complete them before the onset of the rainy season.
- Inspect the check valve to make sure it is working. A malfunctioning check valve will cause backflow. That will overwork your sump pump and cause the motor to burn.
- Check the sump pump discharge line. Ensure it properly slopes to avoid clogs and that it is discharging at a proper distance from your home. Ensure the pipe opening is not clogged with soil, rocks or debris. Check the pipe to make sure birds and rodents are not making their home inside it.
- Clean the sump pump and sump basin thoroughly. Check the sump pump bearings to see if they need grease or oil. If they do, consult the owner’s manual to see the proper way to do this.
To conclude, ensure you work with an experienced and trustworthy plumber to maintain your sump pump. A professional plumber will save you money by detecting potential issues in your sump pump system long before they become problems.