A sump pump is an important tool for preventing basement and crawl space water damage. They are designed to pump out water when the level of the water in the sump pit rises above a certain danger point.
However, a sump pump isn’t immune to wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to regularly check them to ensure they’re working properly.
Power Outage
A power outage can be devastating for a home because it can leave a basement flooded. This is because sump pumps use your house’s electricity to pump out water and if they stop working, they can’t do the job.
This problem is often worse during a storm because the rain may cause flooding. However, a power outage can happen for a variety of reasons and can go on for days or weeks before you even realize it’s happening.
You can take steps to avoid this issue by having a backup generator ready to provide power to your house, your sump pump and any other appliances you rely on during a power outage. This will allow you to prevent water damage and keep your home safe and comfortable until the power comes back on.
Excessive Water
Having excessive water in your sump pit can be an indication that something is wrong with the system. This could be as simple as a clogged discharge line or it could be more serious like a broken sewer pipe underneath the house.
A clogged discharge line can cause the pump to work harder than necessary to send the water away. In winter, a clogged discharge line can also prevent the pump from sending the water far enough out of your home to avoid flooding your basement.
Another potential problem is a faulty check valve. This is a pipe that stops water from flowing back into the sump pit after being pumped out. If it’s damaged, the pump will constantly run and waste energy.
If you find that your sump pump is running nonstop, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for a professional inspection. This could save your home from extensive water damage and costly cleanup.
Debris in the Sump Pit
Debris in the sump pit can cause your pump to work harder, wear out sooner or even stop working altogether. If you find that you have a build-up of dirt or sludge in your sump pit, it is time to clean it out.
This will ensure that your pump works properly and prevent any water from accumulating in your basement. Cleaning out the sump pit is a relatively easy task and can save you thousands of dollars in water damage.
In order to clean the pit, you will need a pair of gloves, a bucket and some cleaning solution. Use a sponge, plastic scraper or a putting knife to remove the built-up dirt and debris. Then, rinse the pit with a couple of gallons of water to make sure all debris is gone.
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure, and it can be a serious problem that could lead to flooding in your basement. The main way to prevent overheating is to keep your sump pit insulated from freezing temperatures.
You can also install a battery backup for your sump pump to ensure that it continues to operate even when the primary pump is not working. Batteries come in a variety of forms, including deep-cycle marine batteries and traditional ones that contain acid.
Regardless of the type of battery, make sure it is properly tested and is not getting close to being discharged. If it is, it can cause hazardous gases to build up inside the battery. This can result in carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. If the batteries are old or need to be replaced, call a professional to do the job safely.
