• February 17, 2020
  • Tim Wolstencroft
  • Blog

Water damage is one of the most common problems faced by an average homeowner. This can completely destroy one’s possessions and the cleanup process can be expensive and difficult.  In this uphill battle against water damage, sump pumps can be the saviour for the homeowners.

If you have recently relocated to a new home, you may not even know if a sump pump is there or its exact location. However, it is important for every homeowner to get acquainted with this device and understand how it needs to be maintained throughout the year.

What is a Sump Pump? 

Sump pumps are typically found inside small sump pits located in the basement floors’ lowest point. Its function is to catch and pump away the groundwater seeping through the drainage system of the foundation. During plumbing failures, floods, and rainy seasons, sump pumps can be used for the evacuation of huge volumes of water from the basement.

Sump Pump Types:

Submersible and pedestal are two broad categories of sump pumps used in residences. Pedestal sumps pumps are inexpensive, require less maintenance, and last longer, but create a lot of noise. On the other hand, submersible sump pumps are relatively much quieter.  However, they suffer a lot of wear and tear and maintenance is not easy because the submersible pumps sit in a wet sump pit.

Annual Maintenance Checklist:

Keeping a sump pump in proper working condition is not difficult.  It is recommended that a sump pump is maintained once every year, during spring cleaning. Mentioned below is your essential checklist for sump pump maintenance.

  • First of all, the primary pump should remain connected to power and be switched on. If you plug into an outlet, please ensure that the GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter on the outlet is not tripped.
  • Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit for testing the functionality of the pump. It should automatically turn on and take seconds to pump the water away. To detect water, sump pumps make use of a float that can easily get stuck in sediment and dirt. Therefore, if the pump doesn’t start after it is powered on, just try loosening the float.
  • Now, disconnect the pump from its discharge line and power source. Clean all accessible parts by removing sediment, dirt, and small stone particles. Clean the sump pit area if it has become messy. Also, remove the pump’s grate and clean it separately.
  • Check the discharge line of the pump for any types of obstructions. Small rocks that can inhibit the water flow can get wedged in the grate, pump, and discharge line.
  • For the battery back-up system, carry out model-specific maintenance.

In addition to annual maintenance as mentioned above, use a bucket of water to test the sump pump once every month. If there is a problem with the pump, it is advisable to find out about that while conducting a controlled test rather than in a stormy night.

At Tru-Flo Pumps, we specialise in delivering pump packages over a wide range of products and industries.  If you have any other questions about your sump pump, please contact our experts.