Sump Pump Basics:
You have probably heard the term sump pump before, but maybe you don’t really know what they are. If you have a basement, it’s not a matter of if it will get wet, but a matter of when. This is why you may need a sump pump installed. This doesn’t mean your basement is destined to be flooded, but having a sump pump installed properly will collect the excess water that naturally accumulates around your house, keeping your basement dry over the long-term.
Once a sump pump is installed keep the following advice in mind:
Loss Of Electricity:
Loss of electricity can be a problem as your pump needs electricity to run, and battery-backup systems are designed to mitigate this very issue. The problem is that when heavy rain occurs it’s usually accompanied by inclement weather, and this increases the risk of power outages when your pump needs it the most. Having a backup battery system is critical, just don’t store it on the floor! Make sure it’s elevated and stays charged.
Regular Maintenance and Testing:
If you have a home that suffers from poor drainage and your sump pump is running on a fairly regular basis, then it may be wise to keep a spare pump in case of equipment failure. Most homes however don’t see action with the sump pump until the rain really kicks in and groundwater volume accumulates. If good drainage already exists, then hearing your sump pump kick on will be a rare event. Make sure to test your equipment at least once a year so you don’t find yourself dealing with an equipment failure just when you need it the most.
Exhaust/Discharge Line:
Finally, become familiar with the discharge pipe or exhaust line. This is the line that will take water from the sump and get it away from your house. If the pipe is breached, the sump discharge line/exhaust line could back up. Then you not only have water that needs to be pumped out but also water backing up. This is going to cause a potentially serious situation. Discharge pipes are installed differently depending on your needs, but they can be disrupted by many things including tree roots, freezing, improper connections or simple human error.
The moral of this article is to test and check your sump basin, pump and exhaust/discharge lines regularly to avoid dealing with a potentially serious problem when you really need your hydrostatic equipment to be working properly.
Don’t forget to make sure your pump is running clear all year long, and always has a secured source of power to avoid flooding disasters.
