Essential Guide to Sump Pump Maintenance and Backup Solutions
We want to help you avoid those costly repairs by making sure your sump pump is in tip-top shape.
Taking care of your sump pump might not be the most exciting task, but it’s a whole lot better than dealing with a flooded basement. At Quality Waterproofing, we want to help you avoid those costly repairs by making sure your sump pump is in tip-top shape. Whether you’ve had your pump for years or just got it installed, regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly.
So, how often should you give your sump pump a little TLC? Ideally, once every three months. Here’s a quick checklist to help you out:
Check for gunk: Peek into the sump pit and check the inlet screen for debris or mud that could clog things up.
Float switch freedom: Make sure the float switch isn’t stuck and can move freely up and down.
Discharge line check: Ensure the discharge line isn’t clogged or frozen so water can flow freely out of your home.
Test the pump: Pour some water into the pump slowly until the float rises and triggers the pump.
Outside check: Make sure the water from the discharge line is being dumped far enough from your foundation to avoid recycling it back into your sump pit.
Annual flush: Once a year, disconnect the power, remove the unit, and flush the system with water to clear out any lingering debris.
Know when to replace: Plan to replace your sump pump every three to four years. If your pump runs constantly, you might want to swap it out even sooner to prevent burnout.
Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?
Even with the best care, sump pumps can still fail. The most common culprits? Power outages and too much water at once. Some folks rely on generators to keep things running during an outage, but here’s the catch—you need to be home to start the generator. If you’re away when the power goes out, your sump pit could fill up and flood before you even realize there’s a problem.
The Smart Move: Backup Battery Systems
To avoid that nightmare scenario, we highly recommend investing in a backup battery system. This handy setup includes a smaller submersible pump that sits alongside your main pump in the sump pit, connected to an external battery (similar to a car battery). If the main pump loses power or gets overwhelmed, the backup battery kicks in to save the day, keeping your basement dry until the main pump is back online.
Most backup batteries can keep a sump pump running for up to 12 hours on a single charge, giving you peace of mind during those long storms or power outages.
Stay in the Loop with Text Alert Systems
Want to stay on top of things even when you’re away? Smartphone alert systems are a game-changer. When the power cuts out, these systems trigger an alarm and send a notification straight to your phone. They’re especially handy for families who love weekend getaways or for anyone who travels often and might not be home to notice the power’s been out for a while.
For more info or to get a quote on sump pump installation, backup batteries, or text alert systems, give us a call at 314-202-5000 or visit our website. We’re here to help keep your basement dry and your worries at bay!
