Now that spring is in full effect and we’re receiving our fair share of rain showers, you should make sure that your sump pump is entirely operational. If you simply assume it’s working properly, you could be in for a serious and potentially costly situation.
Here is a quick Bieg Plumbing sump pump checklist. If it passes the test, you should be more than ready for the next thunderstorm.
Sump Pump Checklist:
- Does the float rise? Sump pumps use a float mechanism to sense whether or not it should begin pumping water. The float mechanism is engaged when water reaches a certain level. To check to see if it is working, dump a few gallons of water into your sump pump’s pit and see if it fires up. If nothing happens, you will need to have a plumber inspect your system.
- Is the screen clean? There is a screen located near the bottom of your pump that lets water flow. There could be gunk and other debris clogging this screen, restricting water flow. If you notice this, simply clean the screen and you should be good to go.
- Does the check valve swing freely? The piping from the top of the sump pump has a check valve, which should swing freely without much force needed. If it’s jammed or otherwise not working correctly, you will likely need a replacement.
- Has the circuit been tripped? Your pump should be connected to a power outlet that has a test function. If you find that it doesn’t seem like there is any power getting to the machine, check the outlet and reset it if necessary. Once reset, test the pump again by pouring water in the pit. It should now kick on and work as it should.
- Do you have a battery back-up system? Another option, if you’d like to be safe for when the power is out, is to purchase a sump pump with a battery backup system. This helps for when a particularly nasty thunderstorm has both knocked out power and is flooding the basement. In these units, the batteries can sustain the pump during power outages for up to 10 hours. This could save you from severe damage. If you already have one of these systems, make sure to top off their batteries with distilled water this spring!
If you go through this checklist and still find that there is an issue, your unit could be suffering from serious mechanical failure. If you suspect mechanism failure, have a certified plumber inspect or replace it immediately. Trust us, you don’t want much downtime when it comes to your sump pump.
Now that you know what to look for, we’re sure that you’ll be able to spot any issues your sump pump might have before it is too late. If you need a pump installed or inspected, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals here at Bieg Plumbing.
We have been serving the St. Louis area for nearly 60 years and are synonymous with quality. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
When your pipes are down on their luck, call in the red truck!
Resources:
4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Sump Pump