Your sump pump protects your basement and the rest of your home. It quietly works around the clock to keep your home dry and protected from water damage. A good sump pump can save you from flooded basements, damaged belongings, and thousands in repairs when heavy rain hits or when snow melts too quickly in the spring.
As the dust settles on winter and leaves start to grow back on trees, it’s time for homeowners to take care of some important appliances in their homes. One of those appliances is the sump pump. There are some key things to do, but more importantly, there are some key things you want to avoid doing. These 5 things can be the difference between full protection and a pretty tough and costly spring and summer.
Ignoring Winter Debris That Can Clog Your Pump
Winter leaves a lot of debris behind. When snow melts, it carries leaves, sticks, and dirt into your drainage system. This stuff can clog your sump pump and stop it from working when you need it most.
You should check your sump pump discharge point and remove any debris you find. Even small bits of dirt can build up over time and cause problems. If your pump gets clogged, water won’t drain properly, and you might end up with a flooded basement. This is one of the most common calls we get from homeowners in the spring — a pump that won’t run because it’s full of winter leftovers.
Remember to check the float switch, too. This small but mighty part tells your pump when to turn on. If it gets stuck because of debris, your pump won’t know when to start working. A quick cleaning now can save you from water damage and an emergency plumber visit later.
Skipping the Backup Power Option
Power outages and heavy rain often go hand in hand. If your electricity goes out during a storm, your sump pump stops working, too — exactly when you need it most. This mistake can lead to serious flooding and water damage in your basement.
Installing a backup power source for your sump pump is a smart move. Battery backups kick in automatically when the power goes out, keeping your pump running and your basement dry. Some newer models even send alerts to your phone when they switch to backup power, so you know what’s happening even if you’re not home.
The cost of a backup system is way less than dealing with flood cleanup, mold removal, and replacing damaged items in your basement. Think about it — if your circuit breaker trips during a big rain storm and you’re away for the weekend, you could come home to thousands in water damage that insurance might not fully cover.
Forgetting to Test Your Pump Before Heavy Rain
Many homeowners assume their sump pump will just work when needed, but mechanical devices can fail, especially if they’ve been sitting unused through winter. Not testing your pump is like driving a car that’s been parked for months without checking if it still runs.
Testing can be fairly simple: pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch to make sure the pump turns on, pumps the water out, and turns off properly. Listen for any unusual noises that might signal problems. Check that the check valve is working correctly to prevent water from flowing back into the basement.
Spring brings melting snow and increased rainfall. If your pump fails during the first big thaw or rain, you’ll have water in places you don’t want it. Testing takes just a few minutes but can save you from significant water damage, mildew problems, and the headache of emergency plumbing repairs.
Suspect sump pump problems? Call our company today! We provide sump pump repairs and can keep you safe before those spring and summer rains hit.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance Checks
Your sump pump needs regular attention to stay in good shape. Ignoring routine maintenance is like never changing the oil in your car. Eventually, something’s going to break, and it’ll be from neglect.
You should:
- Check all connections where the pump meets the pipe.
- Make sure the drain lines are securely fastened.
- Test the float switch by lifting it manually.
- Confirm the check valve is working properly.
- Inspect all electrical connections and the power cord.
Many waterproofing issues start small and get worse over time. That small leak or slightly loose pipe fitting might seem minor, but it can lead to bigger problems when your system is working overtime in the spring. Regular maintenance keeps these small issues from becoming big, expensive problems.
Installing an Undersized Pump for Your Home’s Needs
Not all sump pumps are created equal. Your pump needs to match your home’s size, the water table in your area, and how much rainfall you typically get. A 1/3 horsepower pump might be fine for some homes, but if you have a large basement or live in an area with a high water table, you might need something more powerful.
Signs that your pump is too small include:
- Running constantly during rainy periods
- Struggling to keep up during heavy rain
- Cycling on and off frequently
- Never quite getting ahead of the water flow
An overworked pump will wear out faster and might fail when you need it most. It’s better to have a pump with more capacity than you think you need rather than one that can barely handle normal conditions. When spring rains and melting snow hit, you’ll be glad you sized up.
We’re Here to Help with All Your Sump Pump Needs
PGA Inc. proudly provides sump pump services for the community of Wausau, WI, helping solve all your problems. If you want to know more about these sump pump mistakes or are having trouble with your sump pump, we’re always ready to help. Call today to learn more about sump pump mistakes and how to avoid them!
