If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain or is on a high water table, you probably know how valuable a working sump pump can be. Unfortunately, a sump pump is also the kind of appliance that people don't think about very often except when it doesn't work.
If you want to keep your basement from flooding the next time your hit with a major storm, you will want to give your own sump pump some TLC during your normal plumbing inspections, here’s how to do just that:
The Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist
Check Often. Since sump pumps have a tendency of sitting for months without being used, you should perform a quick check on your own pump every three to four months to make sure it's working properly
Get Started. You will need to disconnect and remove the pump itself from the discharge pipe, clean out the inlet screen, and make sure the power cord for the pump is working.
Don’t Avoid Yearly Checks. At least once a year, you will also need to clean debris from the pump and the sump. You may need to oil the bearings on the pump, which will require either oil or grease depending on the kind of pump your own. You should also check to make sure that there isn't a clog in the discharge pipe or anywhere else in the plumbing connected to your pump.
Remember: all it takes is for one big clog to ruin your pump and prevent it from draining water from your basement. Finally, dump a bucket of water into the sump to make sure that the float works properly and turns the pump on. Adjust the float as needed.
All of this does sound like a lot of work, but it is easier than you might think. If you have any questions about how to perform this maintenance, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Tri-City Heating and Cooling!