“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow” – Proverb.
We’ve all heard the saying, April showers bring May flowers, but as enduring as this statement is to spring, all that moisture can wreak havoc on your home’s basement. In recent years, the Kansas City area has received more and more rainfall which is increasing the amount of flooding we see in basements.
As the temperatures fluctuate in late winter and early spring, the foundation of a home can be prone to dampness and regular flooding. In turn, sump pump systems can become overworked and can even break. This causes water to pool and not be pumped out properly which can cause a flood.
Here are a few facts about your sump pump and tips for maintenance:
What is a sump pump and how does it work?
The sump pump is used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin. When groundwater fills up the tank to a certain level, the float will travel up a float rod and activate a switch that will turn the motor. The motor will then remove water from the tank and away from your home.
Two Types of Sump pumps:
Submersible – most common type of pump, most often installed during home construction, and is covered inside the tank. Non-submersible – Will have a motor and a hose and will be installed above the basement floor. The hose connects to the motor and then routes to the sump tank.
Maintenance Tips involved with a sump pump:
- Remove the cover and check for any debris that might have made its way into the tank, such as mud, gravel, and
- Before you get any significant rain during the spring season, check the discharge hose and make sure it’s free of
- Pour a few gallons of water into the sump basin to make sure the float switch works. If it comes on and sucks out the water, the switch (and pump) are functioning If not, repair or replace the switch.
- Per code, a sump pump has to be plugged into a GFCI For your safety, press its test and reset buttons.
Do you have a backup battery system for your sump pump? Oftentimes when we are experiencing rain, we also experience storms which can lead to power outages. Please consider a backup battery system for your sump pump to make sure that it will always be available to work in the event of a storm.
As with anything you are buying, there are also different brands which offer varying degrees of quality over the other ones. If you are in the market for purchasing and installing a sump pump, please consider the knowledge that comes from hiring a professional. “Just call Bill” at 816-828-BILL. We will help you with all of the considerations necessary to having a dry basement this spring season and beyond.
References
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/your-sump-pump-ready-spring
https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/tips-to-make-sure-your-sump-pump-is-ready-for-spring