Regular sump pump maintenance can help you save money and prevent flooding. Water is stored in the sump pit, which must be drained or turned off to prevent damage to your basement floor. While it’s true that all sump pumps are built to handle the same task, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to check yours to make sure it’s running correctly. Here are some common problems that may result in costly repairs.
A lot of people think that the only time sump pumps need maintenance is when they’re damaged or destroyed. However, damage can occur at any time – even if you aren’t paying attention. For example, tree roots can grow through the pipes and cause pipes to freeze. If your sump pump maintenance isn’t scheduled often enough, these damages can occur, which can lead to water damage.
In fact, sometimes damage can occur before the water damage even occurs. For example, mold can form in the pipes of a sump pump after they have been exposed to damp conditions for an extended period of time. You might think that you’ve paid your contractor to properly install and service your sump pump, but mold can grow behind the insulation and inside the walls, even if the unit is properly sealed. If you don’t perform regular sump pump maintenance, this can lead to serious water damage.
A large percentage of water damage incidents in the United States involve sump pumps. A malfunctioning or damaged sump pump installation can lead to serious problems, including flooding and structural damage to your home. Regular maintenance helps prevent these types of problems, so be sure to include this task in your routine schedule.
A sump pump removes dangerous materials from your home’s water supply in the event of an emergency. It takes water pressure and pumps it through a drainage system. If there are clogs, leaks, or cracks in the pipes that transport water to the pump, it won’t work as well as it should. A cracked pipe is a potential route for toxic or harmful substances to enter the water supply, so keep these areas clear of debris and potential problems. Your drains should also be checked regularly to make sure that they are running smoothly and efficiently.
Many people mistakenly believe that sump pumps only need to be serviced when they aren’t being used. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These devices need to be maintained regularly to prevent them from serving their purposes and causing damage to your home. While they do tend to run silently, they are also capable of releasing dangerous chemical compounds that can cause illnesses and poisoning if not serviced properly.
One of the most important parts of sump pump maintenance is checking the pipes that lead to the sump pit. These pipes can become clogged with tree roots and other debris that might hinder their proper function. The pump itself will also build up a level of sludge in the sump pit that requires cleaning and maintenance regularly. Calling Michigan Plumbing is the best way to address any of these potential problems.
Remember to never overload a pump that is located in a sump pit. This can lead to serious problems, including the pump failing. Overloading can also cause an electrical short circuit, which can also prove fatal. For best results, leave the pumping and other maintenance to the professionals.
The type of plumbing system you have in your basement will determine how often you should pump your sump pump. Sump pumps that are used with drainage pipes will need to be serviced more often because these pipes are usually made out of PVC. In fact, the material is so durable that it has been used for centuries as plumbing. It is extremely unlikely that you could ever break down a PVC drain with a simple plunger, so make it a point to have your sump pump serviced once every few years.
Finally, never turn on your sump pump if you suspect that the battery has died. If you were like many homeowners, you probably had this thought before, but never tested the pump. If you did test the pump, you might find out that the battery needs replacing. This is actually quite common, and while it is not a good thing, the battery should be replaced anyway. Sump pump maintenance is easy if you just remember to do it.
Remember that when it comes to sump pump maintenance, you do not have to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to go to professional cleaners and spend hours in the garage working on your pump. If you follow some simple rules, keeping your sump pump running can be a very easy task to do. So long as you follow a regular maintenance schedule, you will keep it in good working order.