A household sump pump is one of those appliances we keep around “just in case”. That’s good– it means we’re thinking ahead to possible problems. But in the hustle and bustle of day to day life it’s important to maintain these ‘just in case’ items so they’ll work when we really do need them.
In the case of sump pumps, depending on your location, they may pump periodically without you being aware, such as early spring when the ground is thawing. Because of this, you should not assume that nothing has changed since the last set of heavy rainstorms caused you to check your sump to make sure it was working properly. You should check it every season, just in case.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
Here are some things to check:
- Check that the power cord is securely plugged in and that the GCFI switch is operational
- If you have a back-up battery, check that it is connected, fully charged and operational.
- Check the inlet screen for debris or gravel
- Pour a pail of water in the sump hole to trigger the float switch and test the battery backup.
Make sure you know whether your unit requires regular greasing or other servicing. If you don’t have the manual, look up the make and model online and check.
Maintaining your sump pump takes only a few minutes a year, and is cheap insurance. If you aren’t very handy, or don’t want to be messing around in your basement, feel free to give your favorite plumbing service a call, and we’ll be right out to maintain your sump pump. Far better to be safe than sorry.
For any issue involving sump pumps or plumbing in San Diego, call My Plumber at (619) 447-5556
