Your sump pump provides an effective way to deal with the flooding that’s common during the rainy season. Without this device, you would have to remove excess water manually, and your foundation might suffer more significant water damage.
Knowing when to schedule sump pump maintenance will help you keep the unit in good working order all year round.
Sump Pump Maintenance: When Do You Need It?
Sump pumps require some basic care to keep them functional and effective. A standard maintenance schedule includes some simple steps you should conduct every three to four months. These tasks will help you keep the unit ready for immediate use at any time of the year.
In addition to those quarterly DIY maintenance steps, you should schedule a professional inspection and tune-up once a year.
Even if you recently needed sump pump repair, annual maintenance is still necessary. A plumber will inspect the unit for malfunctions, erosion, and damage. They will also fine-tune the unit to ensure it will operate at peak efficiency.
Know the Signs of Poor Sump Pump Maintenance
In addition to the common signs that you need a sump pump replacement, it’s important to know when maintenance is overdue. This is especially true if you moved into a house with a sump pump or bought a used unit from a private seller.
Watch for signs of poor performance. This includes an unpleasant odor resembling mold. Look for rust or reddish water. Sump pumps that generate loud or disturbing noises require professional service.
Quarterly DIY Maintenance Tasks
There are a few things you can do every three to four months to reduce the need for future sump pump repair. These steps are simple things that involve cleaning and testing the unit. To get started, unplug the pump and remove standing water from the well.
Next, remove debris from the well. Remove any foreign materials you find and rinse off the sump pump inlet screen.
Sump pumps should undergo frequent testing to ensure the float switch functions properly. To test your pump, plug it in and pour five gallons of clean water into the well. The pump should start automatically. If not, you’ll have to schedule repairs.
Professional Annual Maintenance: What Does It Include?
How flooding affects foundations varies based on the type of foundation, but every type will suffer some damage. You can prevent water damage to your foundation by scheduling sump pump preventive maintenance once a year.
The plumber will follow the same steps you use during quarterly maintenance, but they will also fine-tune the system.
The sump pump tune-up includes:
- On select models of pumps, we lubricate and/or oil bearings
- Inspecting for rust and corrosion
- Testing the float switch
- Clearing blockages from the pump discharge pipe
Your plumber might also recommend repairs if they find any problem during the service. Otherwise, they will finish the inspection and leave you with a pump in good working order.
Get Your Sump Pump Ready for the Rainy Season
Baethke Plumbing provides sump pump repairs and maintenance in addition to our full range of plumbing services. We can help you keep up with annual maintenance and ensure you can rely on your pump. We also provide sump pump installation services. If you need sump pump maintenance, contact us today!
