WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP USED FOR?
Your sump pump is an incredibly important piece of equipment that can save your home or business from flooding and overflowing water, and water damage. Because of this, you always want to be sure that your pump is working properly and to its full capabilities.
HOW CAN I PREVENT SUMP PUMP FAILURE?
Plan Ahead
The best ways to avoid sump pump failure are planning ahead and keeping up with maintenance. Issues are usually the result of poor maintenance or sloppy installation, rather than an equipment malfunction.
Proper Installation
If your sump pump is failing, it could be a result of improper Installation. Your unit can be too large or too small for your home, which will increase the likelihood of breakdowns. Make sure your sump pump is the right size for the amount of groundwater it will need to pump out of your home.
Sump Pump Switch
You could also be dealing with an issue with the Sump Pump float switch. The float switch is a moving component that is used the most and frequently goes out first.
Maintenance
The final and most important factor in preventing sump pump failure is regular maintenance. If your pump hasn’t been running recently, it is a good idea to test it. First, make sure the airhole in the discharge line is clear before doing a pump test. Then, fill the sump pit with water. When the water level reaches a certain point, the pump should automatically switch on and pump out most of the water. Once it has done this, turn it back off.
If you have a backup pump, test it periodically as well. This will ensure that it will work in the case of a power outage.
Be aware of when the battery needs to be changed. If you have a backup pump, it will not work if the battery runs out.
Power Outages
A power loss is the most common cause for sump pump failure because sump pumps are powered by your home. Having a backup generator in your home is always a good idea, especially in situations like this. A less expensive option is to get a backup battery-powered sump pump that works even when your electricity is out. Sump pump battery backups can range in price from $275 to $500. They may not be inexpensive at first, but they are a smart defense against basement flooding after a power outage.