3 Ways To Keep Your Sump Pump Working

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Three Simple Ways To Keep Your Sump Pump Running

If your Timberwood Park, TX, home has a damp basement or if you sometimes have heavy rain or flooding, you know it can be a challenge to keep your house dry. The possibility of water damage is always lurking around the corner.

A sump pump can help you keep water out of your house and avoid the need for water damage repair. Here are three steps to maintaining this vital piece of equipment.

1. Check for Accumulated Debris
Depending on where your pump is located, it can get blocked or clogged with things such as:

• Dirt
  
• Rocks
  
• Silt
  
• A ball or toy
  
• A small animal
  
  

Check the vent hole and discharge pipe for debris or objects. Even if your pump isn't completely blocked, the buildup can cause the motor to work harder to drain the basin. The result can be water overflow.
Inspect the intake screen and clean off collected dirt or clogs. Look in the pit for obstructions and ensure the float component has nothing to block it.

2. Inspect the Sump Pump Connections
Make sure your pump electrical cord is in good working order. It could have frayed wires or places where an animal chewed it. After inspecting the cable, ensure it is plugged into a working GFCI outlet.
If you have a backup battery in your appliance, change it every 2-3 years or check with the manufacturer for recommendations on how often to replace it.

3. Perform a Test
It's good to conduct a test as part of a pump maintenance routine. Fill a bucket with water and pour it into the basin. The float should initiate the pump as the water level rises, causing it to drain.
A sump pump can help you keep water out of your Timberwood Park, TX, home during heavy rainfall or melting snow. Maintaining your equipment ensures it works when you need it most.