It’s easy to forget about your sump pump, especially when it’s doing its job well. If you fail to maintain it properly, however, it may not be able to prevent flooding when you desperately need it. Fortunately, maintaining your sump pump is easy. Take these easy steps:
1. Check the power supply Check your pump’s power supply every three to four months or after a big storm leaves you without power for any length of time. Check that the power source connects to a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and inspect the power cord for signs of wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to check your backup power source at the same time, if you have one. If you don’t, consider having one installed or purchasing a pump with this feature. 2. Perform mechanical tests Slowly pour water into the sump pit until the float rises. At this point, the pump should turn on and keep working until the pit is empty. Repeat the test regularly to make sure the pump works. Always contact a professional immediately to service a pump that doesn’t turn on. 3. Perform general cleaning Before performing any cleaning operation, make sure the pump isn’t plugged in. Start by inspecting the sump basin for debris that could get into the unit and cause it to fail. Pay special attention to the grate at the bottom of the pit, which can become clogged. Once this is done, check the inlet screen to make sure it’s not blocked. 4. Check your discharge line After you’ve cleaned everything and reconnected the pump to its power source and to the discharge pipe, it’s a good idea to perform a test run. This will allow you to verify that your pump is working and that the discharge line is sending water away at a safe distance from your home. If it’s too close, the water might seep back into the pump and cause it to run continuously, causing excessive wear. 5. Model-specific maintenance Some models require specific maintenance operations. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t forget anything, or call the plumber who installed it. 6. Call a professional A broken sump pump needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you need a plumber in Markham, Richmond Hill, or anywhere across the Greater Toronto Area, Black Forest Plumbing can help. Call us today to take an appointment or arrange an emergency repair. Book A Service Appointment