Sump Pump Maintenance
The sump pump is a very important machine for many homes – homes located in low lying areas, areas laden with heavy rain falls, and homes with poor drainage systems or soil are in definite need of a sump pump. Other home owners may install a sump pump for the, “just in case” situation of a burst pipe or other unexpected basement flooding situation. Their purpose is to usher the water out of the basement and into the yard – never into a sink or other drainage system
A sump pump is available in two different types:
The average lifespan of either style of sump pump is 10 to 11 years. Depending on where you live and the conditions of your area, your sump pump may either always seem to have work to do or you may go months or longer without ever having to use it. Either way, your sump pump needs to be well maintained by performing regular maintenance checks. Certain maintenance tasks can be done once a year while others should be performed approximately every 3-4 months.
Basic quarterly maintenance steps to take on your sump pump include:
Check the power – Is the power cord in good condition and connected to power? Does the outlet being utilized give power?
Inlet screen – Check the inlet screen for dirt and debris and clean it gently.
Make sure the pump works – You should check to make sure the pump functions properly. To do this, fill a bucket with water and pour it into the sump so that the float rises. Once it does, the pump should turn on. You may need to adjust the float.
Basic yearly maintenance steps to take on your sump pump include:
Because sump pumps operate on electricity, having a back-up plan for your pump is always smart. A battery back-up solution will help ensure that even if the electricity goes out, your sump pump will still turn on and work. This can happen at the most inopportune times when a storm with heavy rains flood your basement while knocking out the power.
During your routine boiler checks, if you have a battery back-up, be sure to unplug your sump pump from the cord and make sure the battery kicks in and turns your pump on as planned. If you discover any issues with your sump pump you can’t handle or have questions, consult ta professional service.
- Submersible style
- Pedestal style
The average lifespan of either style of sump pump is 10 to 11 years. Depending on where you live and the conditions of your area, your sump pump may either always seem to have work to do or you may go months or longer without ever having to use it. Either way, your sump pump needs to be well maintained by performing regular maintenance checks. Certain maintenance tasks can be done once a year while others should be performed approximately every 3-4 months.
Basic quarterly maintenance steps to take on your sump pump include:
Check the power – Is the power cord in good condition and connected to power? Does the outlet being utilized give power?
Inlet screen – Check the inlet screen for dirt and debris and clean it gently.
Make sure the pump works – You should check to make sure the pump functions properly. To do this, fill a bucket with water and pour it into the sump so that the float rises. Once it does, the pump should turn on. You may need to adjust the float.
Basic yearly maintenance steps to take on your sump pump include:
- Remove the pump – You will want to remove the entire pump from the sump. Inspect it thoroughly for anything that looks worn or broken that needs to be replaced and replace it. Check the owner’s manual for any questions or find the owner’s manual online
- Grease the pump bearings – While the pump is out you may need to grease or oil the bearings. Your owner’s manual will let you know which one to use.
- Clean the pump – Clean the sump thoroughly before replacing it in the sump.
- Clean the sump – Now, while the pump is out, thoroughly inspect and clean the sump before setting the pump back.
- Power – You’ll want to check the power again at a year. Make sure the power cord is connected and you are getting power to the sump pump.
- Make sure the pump works – At your yearly inspection, you will again want to pour water into the sump to check how it operates. Make sure the float is working and floats up. Adjust it as necessary.
Because sump pumps operate on electricity, having a back-up plan for your pump is always smart. A battery back-up solution will help ensure that even if the electricity goes out, your sump pump will still turn on and work. This can happen at the most inopportune times when a storm with heavy rains flood your basement while knocking out the power.
During your routine boiler checks, if you have a battery back-up, be sure to unplug your sump pump from the cord and make sure the battery kicks in and turns your pump on as planned. If you discover any issues with your sump pump you can’t handle or have questions, consult ta professional service.