Your basement sump pump has probably been idle for all of winter, but now that the snow is starting to melt and spring is on its way, it is time to wake it up, says Invest West Management team. Did you know that there are a lot of things that can go wrong with a sump pump if it has not been used for a long time?
A dormant sump pump may develop any of the following problems:
- Clogged inlet or discharge line: Debris can find its way into the pump inlet and block it. There is also a possibility that small animals can build their nest in the discharge line.
- Frozen and burst pipes: If a sump pump is exposed to cold weather, its pipes may freeze and burst. But you won’t know this if the thawed pipe doesn’t show any signs of damage.
- Rust and corrosion: Due to constant exposure to air and moisture, your sump pump may have suffered corrosion or rust.
- Electrical problems: Electrical issues are common in sump pumps that have been dormant for a long time, and these problems don’t always come with a warning sign.
- Mechanical problems: Sump pumps suffer wear and tear due to aging and normal use. If not detected, minor wear and tear issues can explode into bigger problems.
If your sump pump is suffering from any of these issues, the risk that it will fail is very high. Unless you address the problems, don’t expect optimal performance from the appliance. What can you do to make sure your sump pump can protect your home from basement flooding and water damage in the coming months?
Getting your sump pump ready for the Chicago weather
- Check electrical connections and components
Conduct a visual inspection of the electrical connections. Look for loose, frayed, disconnected wires and cracked or worn-out power outlets. Ensure the sump pump is plugged into the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Before doing these, ensure to turn the power off. But don’t forget to switch the power back on after you complete your inspection. This is a common oversight.
- Inspect the entire sump pump system
Inspect the float switch for signs of wear and tear. Make sure this critical component is not jammed or obstructed. Nudge the sump pump to make sure it is not wobbly. Inspect the inlet for debris and ensure the discharge line is not out of position or clogged with debris. Inspect the sump basin for dirt and debris.
- Clean your sump pump
Debris inside the sump pit, pump inlet, discharge line, or around the impeller and float switch can prevent the proper function of your sump pump. If the inlet is clogged, the motor will power on, but the appliance will not pump water. If the discharge line is blocked, pumped water will cycle back into the pit.
- Test the sump pump
To do this, you need some water and a five-liter plastic bucket. Fill the bucket with water and empty it into the sump basin. The sump pump should power up to remove the water from the pit. While the pump is working, listen for strange sounds like rattling or grinding and ensure the check valve is working. Wait to see if the sump pump switches off after emptying the pit.
- Ensure proper drainage
For efficient removal of pumped water, the check valve must be working. The discharge line should slope at a proper angle to ensure quick evacuation of water. Make sure the pipe is discharging in the right place on your property – at least 10 feet from the foundation. Remove everything around the discharge pipe opening that can obstruct it. Install a grate to keep small animals from making their home inside the pipe.
- Maintain your sump pump on a schedule
The above steps should be done periodically to keep your sump pump working optimally. Because it handles dirty water with mud and debris, the sump basin and sump pump have a high risk of clogging. Cleaning the sump pump system regularly will prevent these problems. Regular maintenance saves you from avoidable problems.
- Install a battery-powered backup system
A battery-powered sump pump protects your home if your primary sump pump is out of service due to a power outage or other problems. Also, adding an alarm system to the overall setup can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. If there are problems with your primary sump pump or backup system, an alarm system will give you an early warning via mobile or email.
As the final step to eliminate every possibility of sump pump failure in your home, you need a competent plumber to work with you. Your plumber should do a comprehensive inspection of your sump pump system at least once a year. Sump pump maintenance or a replacement of the sump pump should be left to the plumber.