Sump Pump Maintenance
Is It Time? More Info on Maintenance?
Sump Pump Maintenance - Worth Every Penny!
What is Sump Pump Maintenance?
Sump pump maintenance refers to the regular upkeep of your sump pump system to ensure its proper functioning. The purpose of sump pump maintenance is to prevent water damage to your home by keeping your sump pump in good condition.
There are two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. Pedestal sump pumps have a motor that sits above the sump pit, while submersible sump pumps have a motor that sits inside the sump pit. Both types of sump pumps require regular maintenance to ensure their proper functioning.
Why is Sump Pump Maintenance Important?
Neglecting sump pump maintenance can have serious consequences for your home. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, which can cause water damage to your home and its contents. Regular sump pump maintenance can prevent these issues and keep your home protected.
Regular sump pump maintenance also has several benefits. It can extend the lifespan of your sump pump, improve its efficiency, and save you money on costly repairs.
How Often Should Sump Pumps be Maintained?
It is recommended that sump pumps be maintained at least once a year. However, the frequency of maintenance may vary depending on factors such as the age of the sump pump, the frequency of use, and the amount of debris that enters the sump pit.
What Does Sump Pump Maintenance Include?
Sump pump maintenance typically includes the following steps:
- Cleaning the sump pit
- Checking the sump pump’s power source
- Testing the sump pump’s float switch
- Checking the sump pump’s discharge line
- Testing the sump pump’s backup system (if applicable)
Each of these steps is important in ensuring the proper functioning of your sump pump and preventing water damage to your home.
Sump Pump Maintenance - Keep Your Parma Home Protected
Welcome to Sump Pump Gurus Parma, your go-to experts for sump pump maintenance. We understand the importance of keeping your home protected from water damage, and that’s why we offer top-notch sump pump maintenance services. Give us a call today at (419) 476-4250 to set up an appointment and save on sump pump maintenance.
Many Parma homeowners rely on sump pumps and French drains to keep water out of their basement in the event of a storm. Without proper maintenance and care, your sump pump could fail when you need it most. Simple, scheduled maintenance can save you the cost of cleaning up a flooded basement, and protect your stored items, furniture and other personal belongings in your basement.
a few tips to keep your sump pump in good condition
- Test your sump pump. Test sump pumps at least annually (twice for those over 5 years). Check early spring (or when clocks change if twice a year) to ensure they are functioning correctly. Pour a bucket or two of water in the pump well; if it doesn’t turn on the float, and evacuate the water, it’s likely broken or the discharge line could be clogged. Identify where the problem is. Check power, insure the unit is plugged in and the power is on. If all are good, and your pump is still not working, contact Sump Pump Gurus for assistance.
- Clean the pump. Remove your pump’s lid, a tight fitting one is preferred & check inside. Uninstall the pump, check valve, and remove any dirt, sand, gravel or other debris from the basin. Most importantly, be sure that the float has room to move freely. A stuck float in the on or off position can be a huge problem. Check the incoming drainage lines (French drains), if present, for blockages. If clogged, you may need to get a plumbing snake to clear or it can be difficult for water to channel into the sump pit. French Drains work on gravity, so any material in the way can prevent water movement.
- Check for worn parts. A sump pump’s moving parts can wear out over time preventing the pump from operating, or shutting off. The float switch is the most common part to fail, along with the impeller. If either of these items are creating issues, and the pump is newer than 5 years, these should be replaced. If more that 5 years old, the cost of materials and labor can justify a replacement. If you are a DIY’er, the parts will run you about $95-$125 and a couple hours of your time.
- Install a battery backup. A battery backup provides power to your pump or a special backup pump that runs on DC (marine battery) when there is no power, when your pump fails or when the pit is overwhelmed in a big storm. If you have battery backup, you should test the battery by unplugging the pump and filling the pit with water. Make sure the battery charging system is operating properly and the battery is holding a charge. A volt meter will do the trick.
Signs Your Pump Could Be Failing
Your sump pump will usually let you know if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Give us a buzz if you encounter any of these signs:
- Aging. We recommend that you replace an average-use sump pump every 7-10 years. If your home receives a lot of water or if your pump runs frequently, its lifespan can be shortened to 5-7 years. Always remember, replacement is cheaper than cleaning up after a flood.
- Odors. If rotten vegetable or moldy smells are coming from your sump pit, your sump pump may be malfunctioning or may need an adjustment to insure there is no stagnant water. A thorough flushing with an OXI cleaner or bleach may do the job as well. Whenever applying chemicals to a pump or pit, be sure to rinse everything very well when complete.
- Rust. Older pumps were not always made with rust-resistant materials. Many of the big box store pumps are difficult to clean and have small parts that tend to rust. If you have a pump with rust that can’t be scrubbed away, it should probably be replaced or the rusted part needs to be repaired (lower quality pumps don’t necessarily have replacement parts). Rust can also be a sign of Iron Ochre, a red slime caused by iron eating bacteria in the soil. If present you should check your pump at least quarterly and treat for control.
- Noises. Sump pumps shouldn’t make loud noises. Quality pumps will run relatively quietly and smoothly when turning on and off. If your pump is making unusual noises, like loud humming, clanging or banging, a replacement may be in order.
- Water. The most noticeable sign your sump pump needs repair or replacement is the presence of water in your basement or the pit not emptying. If there is water in your basement near the pump, it isn’t doing its job. If the water is in another section of the basement, you may require French Drains to help move the water to the pit where it can be evacuated.
Keep Yourself Covered - Check Your Home Owners Policy
Even if you perform routine maintenance, pumps are mechanical, and can potentially fail for multiple reasons, potentially causing thousands of dollars of damage. Contact your home owners insurance for a quick review. Basic home coverage doesn’t always cover pump fails. Most insurers offer sump pump riders to your existing policy to protect your assets in case of a failed sump pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average cost of sump pump maintenance?
The cost of sump pump maintenance varies depending on factors such as the type of sump pump, the frequency of maintenance, and the location of your home. Contact us today for a quote.
2. How long does sump pump maintenance take?
The length of sump pump maintenance depends on the condition of your sump pump and the extent of the maintenance needed. On average, sump pump maintenance takes between 1-2 hours.
3. Can I perform sump pump maintenance myself?
While some homeowners may choose to perform sump pump maintenance themselves, it is generally recommended to hire a professional for this task. Professional sump pump maintenance ensures that all necessary steps are taken to keep your sump pump in good condition and prevent water damage to your home.
4. What are the signs that my sump pump needs maintenance?
Signs that your sump pump needs maintenance include strange noises coming from the sump pump, visible rust or corrosion on the sump pump, water pooling around the sump pump, unpleasant odors coming from the sump pit, and the sump pump running constantly.
5. How often should I replace my sump pump?
The lifespan of a sump pump varies depending on factors such as the type of sump pump, the frequency of use, and the amount of debris that enters the sump pit. On average, sump pumps last between 7-10 years. It is recommended to replace your sump pump before it reaches the end of its lifespan to prevent water damage to your home.
6. What happens if I neglect sump pump maintenance?
Neglecting sump pump maintenance can lead to a malfunctioning sump pump, which can cause basement flooding and water damage to your home and its contents. Regular sump pump maintenance can prevent these issues and keep your home protected.
7. How can I schedule sump pump maintenance with your company?
You can schedule sump pump maintenance with our company by giving us a call at 610.364.3330 or filling out our online contact form. We will be happy to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
Conclusion
Regular sump pump maintenance is essential in protecting your home from water damage. At Sump Pump Gurus Parma, we offer top-notch sump pump maintenance services to keep your home protected. Give us a call today at 610.364.3330 to schedule an appointment and save on sump pump maintenance.