It’s the time in the year when inches of water can fall in hours. With summer storms impacting your property, it’s important to prepare your sump pump for the additional rainfall.
Our licensed plumbers are working in homes near you to protect our clients and in this new post, we’ll explain a little more about how to ensure your sump pump is ready for the summer storms.
Visually Inspect the Pump
Review the pump visually and look for signs of a problem. Make sure, for example, the pump is plugged into a working GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. You should also ensure the electrical cord isn’t frayed or damaged.
Clear Debris from the Pipe
Take the time now to clear debris from the pump’s discharge pipes and vents. Ensure all areas are free of dirt and other contaminants. You may find that bits of gravel can clog the pipe and make the unit work harder to drain the basin.
Inspect the Intake Screen
Thoroughly inspect the intake screen and the sump pit area. The screen should be clear so that water can flow smoothly through it without the system overflowing.
Check the Sump Pump Float
Can the sump pump float move up and down easily? This is important because the float is the trigger for the sump pump to turn on and off. If the float is obstructed or bent, it cannot activate the system properly.
Review the Battery
Many sump pumps are operated by battery. Check how long the battery has been installed in the sump pump. If it’s more than three years old, you might consider calling licensed plumbers near you to install a new one.
Test the Sump Pump’s Performance
Finally, you can test the sump pump’s performance yourself by pouring a 5-gallon bucket of water into the sump pump pit. Watch and ensure the pump is unobstructed as it rises with the level of the water. When the water reaches a certain point, the pump should switch on. Ensure nothing is blocking the water from draining away from your home.
Our trusted team at Roto-Rooter has decades of experience in the industry. We work as licensed plumbers near you to resolve sump pump issues and ensure property is protected. To learn more, contact us online or call us today at (760) 245-2947.
