Sump Pump Checklist

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of St. Charles, we are ready to help restore water damage from a malfunctioning sump pump, or any other source, without delay.

If your basement is usually dry during the rainy season, thank a sump pump. It works hard to keep it that way by automatically pumping out water that's threatening to enter it.

It's important to periodically check your sump pump to make sure it's working properly. Doing this will help keep the water out of your basement and prevent it from causing damage.

It's also important to know how to check and maintain your sump pump. Below are a few tips to keep your sump pump running and prevent accidental breakdowns.

• Make sure that the pump is completely upright. Doing so will prevent it from tipping over and putting too much pressure on its components.
• Take the cover off the pump and look inside. Make sure that the basin and pit are clear of debris and any other objects that might cause an overflow.
• Make sure that the drain hose is connected correctly. A blocked drain hose can cause your pump to run continuously, which could affect its ability to dispose of the water that's collected in the pit.
• If the inlet screen is blocked, the water that's coming from the pump will not be able to enter the pit. This could cause a basement flood.
• Make sure that the float component of your sump pump is free of debris and is moving freely. A faulty float can cause the pump to run continuously, which could eventually cause its engine to fail.
• The next time you hear your sump pump running, go outside and make sure its discharge pipe is pumping the water away from your home at a safe distance. If it’s too close, the water could seep back into your pump, causing your pump to run continuously and inefficiently. The more your sump pump runs, the more likely it is to burn out early in its life span.
• To test the performance of your sump pump, fill the pit with water and turn it on. After carefully monitoring the situation, make sure that the discharge pipe is flowing properly.
• Having a backup battery or a generator is also important if the power goes out during a storm. This could cause your pump to stop working, which could cause a flood in your basement.

If you perform all these steps and notice an issue, it may be time to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue with your sump pump. Don’t risk damage and get it fixed quickly.

While these tips may help prevent your sump pump from breaking, there is always the unexpected issue that may occur. At SERVPRO of St. Charles, we are ready to help restore water damage from a malfunctioning sump pump, or any other source, without delay. Serving the greater St. Charles, Missouri area, we strive to arrive onsite quickly and restore your home to preloss condition.