Maintaining your Sump Pump
A sump pump is designed to keep your basement dry by collecting, pumping and draining water; and it’s one of the most important household appliances keep properly maintained. From March to May, your sump pump may begin to work increasingly harder to keep up with the excessive springtime rain, so make sure you follow the below maintenance tips to keep your sump pump operating in prime condition.Schedule yearly inspections: Early spring is a good time to have your sump pump inspected for wear and tear, especially after the ground thaws from winter and it is raining more often. If you live in an area where rain is more infrequent, having a yearly inspection can be the key to keeping a well-functioning sump pump.
Check your filter: Most sump pump filters are designed to allow small particles of debris to be pumped out, but larger pieces can clog the system, overheat the motor, may cause the system to shut down. If you aren’t sure how to check the filter, call a professional plumber for help.
Pull the plug: Once a year, disconnect your sump pump from the power source, remove the unit, and flush it thoroughly with water to remove any unwanted debris. Clean the sump pit while the unit is out. Once you reconnect the pump to the power source, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure the pump starts.
Invest in a backup sump pump: In the event of main pump failure or a power outage, your backup can save you money in water damage repairs in water damage repairs.
Call ARS®/Rescue Rooter® at 1-800-277-9400 to schedule an annual inspection.
