With all the rain we’ve had it seemed fitting to remind everyone of basic sump pump maintenance to keep you pump in top shape! Good news, it’s quite simple so be proactive!
Pour a bucket of water into the pit – Slowly pour 5 gallons of water into the sump pump to make sure it starts automatically and the water drains quickly once it is on. Make the pump turn on and off 2 times.
Check the Sump Basin for Debris – Using a flashlight look in the basin of the sump pump for dirt, gravel, sand, or any other debris that should be removed. Removing debris will increase the efficiency of the pump and extend the life of the pump.
Clean the impeller– The impeller is a small filter that can easily become clogged. It is connected to the sump pump with bolt.
Inspect the check valve – The check valve is located on the water outlet pipe and prevents water from flowing back into the sump pump when it shuts off. The check valve’s arrow should be pointing away from the sump pump; it should not be pointing towards the sump pump.
Clean the weep hole – The weep hole is located between the sump pump and the check valve. You can use a toothpick or any other tiny object to clean it out.
Install a battery back-up power source – Having a battery back-up is an excellent way to avoid overflow during a power outage. Most power outages are the result of thunderstorms which cause heavy amounts of rainfall very quickly.