Does your home or business have a sump pump? If so, you might not think about it too often, but it will surely be at the forefront of your mind should it fail. Sump pumps are usually found in basements, where they work to prevent water from flooding the basement. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we’ve been helping people maintain their sump pumps for years, and we wanted to take some time today to talk about how you can keep your home’s sump pump running smoothly.
Regularly Inspect Your Sump Pump
One of the best ways to ensure your sump pump is working properly is to regularly inspect it. If you’re in your basement, make it a habit to listen for the pump to hear if it’s running, or give it a look and see if things are moving. As you check on your sump pump more and more, you’ll gain an understanding of how it operates when it’s working correctly, and this will help you identify any issues that arise.
Check Your Discharge Pipe
You’ll also want to keep an eye on your discharge line. This is the line that runs the water from the sump pump outside, but during the colder months, this line can freeze. Should your discharge line freeze, it can send water back into your home. Ensure that water is coming out of the line and that there isn’t anything clogging it. This is essential to keeping your sump pump working right.
Have Your Sump Pit Cleaned and Maintained
A sump pit is where water collects before the sump pump pumps it out. If your sump pit becomes excessively dirty or filled with debris, it could interfere with the pump’s ability to function properly. Having your pit regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional will prevent slime buildup or mold growth and ensure your sump pump’s intake screen is free from blockages.
Test Your Backup Power System
No one likes to have to deal with a power outage, but as inconvenient as it can be, it can turn even worse if you don’t have a backup power system to power your sump pump or if the backup system fails. To prevent this, we recommend you test your backup system by simulating a power outage and seeing how it functions. If it isn’t working properly, you’ll need to have it serviced by an experienced Maryland plumber.
Consult With an Experienced Maryland Plumbing Company
Are you looking to learn more about how you can keep your home’s sump pump running smoothly? You definitely don’t want to have to deal with the damages caused by a flooded basement, which means it is pivotal that your home’s sump pump is running properly. At Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we are sump pump experts. No matter what model you have, our team of experienced Maryland plumbers will be able to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about all of the plumbing services we offer.