Keep Your Sump Pump Humming

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

Regular maintenance of your sump pump will pay off during a storm when your basement doesn't flood.

If you’ve ever had a flood of water in your basement after a storm, you know the value of a sump pump. A sump pump sits either beneath or above the floor of your basement and pumps out water that collects in the sump basin, discharging it to the outdoors.

But a sump pump does you no good if it’s not working when a storm hits and water gushes into your basement. Do these tasks at least once a year to stay dry:

1. Clean and lubricate the pump. Unplug the pump, disconnect it from the discharge pipe and pull the pump out of the sump. Hose away any debris on the screen at the pump’s base and rinse off its housing. Lubricate the pump bearings, if required.
2. Inspect the check valve.  If the internal flap doesn’t swing freely, flush it out, and if you see mineral deposits, soak it in vinegar.
3. Test the float switch.  Pour a few gallons of water into the sump. If it comes on and sucks out the water, the switch (and pump) are good to go. If not, repair or replace the switch.
4. Press the outlet’s test and reset buttons (per code, a sump pump has to be plugged in to a GFCI receptacle).
5. Got a backup battery? Top up its cells with distilled water.

Remember, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Springfield and Sangamon, Morgan, Cass, Macoupin, Montgomery Counties is Here to Help!  Give us a call 24/7 at 217-528-7775.