How to Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Ready for the Rainy Season
A sump pump can be a great addition to the home as it will provide protection against your basement or crawlspace potentially flooding during heavy rains. The only issue is that most sump pumps will only last for 10 years at the most, and the units can often have issues that prevent them from running if they sit idle for too long. The last thing you want is for a major rainstorm to happen and suddenly find that your sump pump won’t work and your home is starting to flood. This makes it essential that you test your sump pump and perform a few basic tasks so that you can be assured it is ready once the rains start.
Testing to Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works Efficiently
Testing a sump pump is a simple process that only takes a few minutes and can provide huge peace of mind since it will allow you to make sure that the unit runs and pumps efficiently. All you need to do is use your garden hose or a few buckets and then fill the sump basin until the sump pump switch triggers and the unit starts running. If the unit doesn’t run when you fill the basin, you may need to either have the float switch replaced or the pump repaired. If the pump is more than 7 years old, it is probably best to simply replace it instead.
Important Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks
The other thing you should always do is remove the sump pump from the basin so it can be cleaned and inspected for any potential problems. This is something you can do on your own, but if your pump is old or hasn’t been well maintained, you may be better off having a plumber check it out for you. The most important thing to do is make sure you fully clean the intake screen on the bottom of the pump. The screen often gets clogged with dirt and debris, and this can prevent it from pumping correctly or cause it to overheat and break down.
At Marklein Plumbing, we can help if you need sump pump maintenance or installation. Our team can also help if you need any other plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer or water heater services in Ramona or the surrounding areas. For more information, contact company_name] today.
