Water processed by the sump pump can contain mud and debris which could eventually clog or damage it. It’s a good idea to have your sump pump checked out and cleaned on a regular basis. Here are some things to consider with your sump pump’s maintenance.
When to Check the Sump Pump
A good time to check your sump pump is when you are thinking about it. We typically recommend checking it at least twice a year. In Maryland, we suggest checking the pump at the start and end of the “busy” season being when the snow is starting to melt in the winter, and then the start of the summer when the spring rains have passed. Also, definitely have your sump pump looked at by a local Sykesville plumbing company right away if it shows any visible rust, hasn’t been serviced in a long time, or was passed on to you by the previous home-owner.
Why Sump Pump Maintenance is Important
The reason we all own and install sump pumps is to prevent the worst from happening. A flooded basement means thousands of dollars in damage which could have been easily avoided with a quick phone call to your local Maryland plumbing professional. Keeping your sump pump in working condition, no matter who does it, is important to keeping your home safe and dry.
How to do Sump Pump Maintenance
Sump pump maintenance is really all about checking that the pump is clean and functioning correctly. We strongly suggest contacting your local area Eldersburg plumber if you’re not sure how to deal with sump pumps as you can damage it in the process. Here are some basic steps to follow if you feel confident in doing your own maintenance:
- Unplug the sump pump, and pull it out of the pit it lives in.
- Clear the pump of any debris which may be stuck in its intake grate or discharge pipe.
- Check that all pipes and hose are securely fit to the pump and won’t wiggle lose.
- Return the pump to the pit and ensure it is standing perfectly upright.
- Plug the pump back in and dump a bucket of water into the sump pump’s pit to activate the pump. Be sure you’re dumping enough to activate the float.
- If the float does not activate, there is obviously something wrong with your sump pump.
Hire a Maryland Plumber
If your sump pump is acting up, it’s important to have it fixed right away. By not fixing this issue, you’re leaving your home vulnerable to a potentially costly flooding issue each time it rains. Be sure to hire a local Maryland plumber as they have the skill and experience to fix your sump pump’s issue and hopefully avoid the cost of replacing it outright.
Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating is a local Eldersburg plumber with over 20 years of hard and honest work in the plumbing industry. We offer affordable, worry-free, fast, and comprehensive services for all your plumbing and sump pump needs. For more information, give us a call at 410-781-6791 or fill out the form on our website today!