One of the worst thing that can happen during a big rainstorm or melt is suddenly finding that your sump pump has stopped working. By investing in sump pump maintenance, you will save yourself money and the nasty task of bailing water out of a wet basement if the sump pump stops working, not to mention the cost of potential damage to your property.
Why Do Sump Pumps Break Down?
Unfortunately, sump pumps are liable to wear and tear. These are mechanical devices after all – parts naturally wear down over time. Sump pumps have a number of moving parts, so many of those parts are bound to become worn or loose after years of repeated use, so it’s important that you perform regular checkups to ensure its operating properly. If you’re not sure contact a reputable waterproofing company to perform an inspection for you.
What to check?
#1: The Float
Floats can get caught and tangled in debris, which inhibits the float’s ability to determine whether water levels are manageable or not. They often just stick sometimes for no known reason. If the float can’t “float” then your pump can’t do its job.
#2: The Check Valve:
Another important part to maintain is the valve – particularly the check valve. This valve makes sure that any water that flows through the pipes from your sump pump only flows away. In other words, the valve ensures that your water does not back up into the pump. This process subjects the valve to a lot of pressure when the pump operates, giving some opportunity to break down.
#3: Pipes, Hoses & the Sump Pit
The water that gets pumped away from your basement waterproofing systems is not always pure. Since the water can be contaminated with different elements, it can clog your pipes and hoses over time. Also clean out your sump pit on a regular basis. It’s not uncommon to find everything from rocks and mud to lime and rust deposits when performing routine maintenance.
#4: The Pump Itself
A sump pump is a mechanical device and will wear out. If the pump is broken, it will require repair and usually replacement. Most times when in doubt replace it with a new one. This is not something to procrastinate over! Avoid the stress of a breakdown by maintaining your sump pump on a regular basis. The old saying holds true that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
