How Sump Pump Maintenance Can Prevent Flooding and Water Damage in the Basement

The Purpose of a Sump Pump

The sump pump is a vital piece of equipment that helps protect a home or business by controlling water and keeping the structure dry. Typically located in the crawlspace or basement, the device is usually installed by a professional. The unit is placed in a specially constructed sump pit. When the water table rises above a critical point, the sump pump helps keep the basement or crawl space dry.

The experts at Waterproof Magazine explain, “Sump pumps are the heart of most drainage systems, and they must be properly matched to soil conditions, pit size, and other factors to eliminate short-cycling while still providing enough capacity for peak events. In the ongoing battle for dry basements, sump pumps play a pivotal role. A pump typically has to be replaced every few years. But if it’s sized correctly, the pump will last much longer, and the homeowner will know it’s the right pump for the job…On sandy soil, plan for a system capacity of 14 gallons per minute for every 1,000 square feet of home. In clay soil, plan for a system capacity of 8 gallons per minute for every 1,000 square feet of home.”

The homeowner will want to ensure the sump pump system is sized correctly and receives regular maintenance to ensure that the system works properly.

Tips for Sump Pump Maintenance

In situations such as flooding from a burst pipe, a sump pump can help minimize damage to the home. The sump pump drainage system evacuates water from the sump pit and disperses it a safe distance away from the house. The sump pump requires regular maintenance. Here are some tips to ensure the pump remains in top working order.

1. Inspect the pump on an annual basis.

• Examine the electrical connection to make sure it is snug.
• Check the power cord for rotting, gashes, fraying, or other signs of damage or decomposition.
• Ensure the discharge hose is securely connected.
• Clean the inlet opening or screen. Unplug the unit while performing this task. Be sure to plug it back in when finished.
• Remove any debris, boxes, furniture, or equipment in the area that could damage or clog the pump.

2. Test the sump pump.

To determine if the device is operating properly, pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit. If the pump is in good working order, it should automatically start. The water should drain quickly from the sump pit.

3. Consider installing a battery backup system.

Since the sump pump operates on electricity, the basement or crawl space is vulnerable to flooding should the power go out during severe weather. The solution is to install a battery backup to power the unit during a power outage. If the system being tested has a battery backup, unplug the pump to see if the battery backup is functioning properly.

4. Inspect the location where the sump pump discharges water outside the home or business.

The discharge point should be no closer than ten feet from the foundation. The discharge zone should be free of any clutter or debris that would block the drain or prohibit the discharged water from flowing away from the structure. Do not discharge water from the sump pump into a septic tank or sewer system.

Bonus tip: Consult with an insurance agent to determine what coverage the current homeowners’ policy offers for a sewage backup, drain overflow, or sump pump failure. Water backup and sump pump discharge or overflow coverage can help cover the property damage loss up to a specified dollar amount. This coverage does not cover flood or surface water backup.

The professionals at All Pro Services have the training, experience, and equipment to handle basement flooding from a natural disaster, sewage backup, drain overflow, or sump pump failure. All Pro Services has been family-owned and operated since 1987.

For more information about flood damage clean-up in Midvale, Utah, contact the office by phone at (385) 855-2252 or email office@allproutah.com.