As we’re headed into spring and summer, we’re also headed into storm season. For many people, that means basement flooding and sump pump usage. So be sure to be ready and check out your pump (and your sump pit) for problems before those big storms make their way to your home. The last thing you want is your pump to not be in working order when they arrive and for a flooded basement to be in your future. To help with that, we’ve broken things down into two main things to do to assure your sump pump is ready for upcoming storms
Checking for problems
The first thing to do is to check for damage, corrosion, etc. on your sump pump. We recommend keeping an eye on the weather report and (when possible) giving your sump pump system a once over before and after the storm hits. First check around the sump pump for any kind of rust, corrosion, or dirty areas that could indicate a leak or other concern. If that’s all good, make sure it turns on. If the pump is consistently vibrating, you’ve got a problem. If the pump is incredibly noisy, you’ve got a problem. If the pump is continuously running, you’ve got a problem. Basically, if anything seems off with the pump, you’re going to want to investigate a bit further. If you can’t identify the source of the problem yourself it’s best to give your local plumbing a call.
Routine Maintenance
If there aren’t any noticeable problems with your sump pump you can move on to performing some routine maintenance on it. Basic sump pump maintenance is an easy DIY project to do on the usual, however make sure to have a professional check it out every once in a while, go assure everything is as it should be. The first thing to do is disconnect the pump from the basin and check for and clean out any debris from the basin. From there simply reconnect the sump pump and plug it in to test it out. To test your pump just add a little bit of water and see if the pump is in working order. If it doesn’t work, or if it’s working slowly you should call a pro to come help out. We also recommend having a back up power source for your pump in case your power would shut off during a storm.
Maintaining your Sump pump is a very easy and very important thing to do for your home. If your pump isn’t working the way it should, your cozy day in the rain could turn disastrous as water finds its way. Performing routine checks on your pump is the best way to keep your home safe and dry as storms approach!
Faulstick Plumbing
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today!
