We’ve all seen the warnings about being prepared for severe weather. If you own a home, your sump pump is an essential piece of equipment you need to ensure it is ready for rainy summer nights. Being prepared doesn’t just mean having a plan of action in emergencies; it also means getting the sump pump ready to handle any significant amounts of water pouring into your basement.
If you live in an area prone to heavy rainstorms, there’s no better time to ensure your sump pump is ready for action. Here are some tips on how you can keep your sump pump up-to-date throughout the season:
What is a sump pump, and how do I prepare it for summer storms?
A sump pump is a vital part of your home’s drainage system, but it can fail during storms. If yours does, it could lead to flooding and damage in your basement or crawlspace. More than 60% of American homes experience below-ground moisture.
To prepare for summer storms, ensure you have an electric-powered backup drain at the bottom of your stairs and/or in any other areas where water can collect. You should also test your sump pump regularly to ensure it’s working correctly—and if not, replace it immediately before disaster strikes!
If your sump pump does fail, you may be able to fix it yourself. Some common problems include clogged pipes, a broken float switch, or an electrical fault.
Key Sump Pump Function Features
Sump Pump Check Valve is a crucial component of sump pump systems. It ensures that water flows in one direction only, preventing backflow and maintaining the pump’s efficiency. Proper installation and maintenance of the sump pump check valve are essential for the smooth operation of your sump pump system.
Sump pumps come in various sizes, types, and features, making them ideal for different situations—from tiny homes with basements to large houses with swimming pools.
To ensure you have enough room for a full-functioning sump pump system:
- Ensure your existing walls are high enough to accommodate it without extra support (e.g., steel beams). If not, consider adding some support before installation begins so it doesn’t cause problems later on down the road when things get rough.
- Consider buying additional space from an existing room, such as an extra bedroom/bathroom suite if necessary, so there aren’t any interruptions between rooms where water might accumulate over time due to the inability to properly escape the space.
- If you have a pool or other large body of water in your basement, consider getting a pump that can handle higher volumes of water.
- To avoid flooding and other issues down the road, make sure your sump pump is installed in a place where water flows easily out of it.
- Strategically placing the sump pump near the flowing water helps keep your home safe from flooding during heavy rains, but it’ll also make things easier on yourself when cleaning up after storms pass by.
Move excess water away from your home.
Once you have checked the water level in your sump pump, move excess water away from your home. Call a plumber if you are unsure where to discharge the water. Make sure that the discharge is far enough away from your home so that it doesn’t flood when it rains heavily or after a storm passes through.
Test it once a year before the season starts.
You should also test your pump once a year before the season starts. Testing involves checking the pressure switch float switch and for leaks around your sump pit. You can do this using a tester, a device that fits when there’s water in or out of your sump pump system. A good rule of thumb is to prevent it twice weekly during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Keep an eye out for a faulty pressure switch.
The pressure switch is a small device that monitors your home’s sewer system. It is responsible for turning on the pump when it detects that water is entering the drain pipes of your house and then shutting off once it’s done removing all that water.
If you notice any problems with this part of your sump pump system, there are several things you can do:
- Check for any cracks or holes in its housing (or elsewhere). This could mean that debris has penetrated the main body and caused an electrical short circuit—which would cause a false positive reading from the pressure switch!
- Test out other parts of your sump pump to ensure nothing else is going wrong with them. Nonetheless, new features won’t have been installed correctly before being sent out.
Check the level of water in the sump pit.
To determine whether your sump pump is ready for summer storms:
- You must first check the level of water in your sump pit.
- If it’s too high, you may need to replace the old pump or install a new one with a larger capacity.
- If it’s too low, on the other hand—or even if it’s just right—you’ll need to make sure that no debris has accumulated around or inside any electrical equipment
Pry off the lid and check your pipes for blockages.
Once you have removed the lid, check if your pipes are clear. You may have to use a small screwdriver or other tool to pry off the top of your sump pump. Call a plumber in Alabama immediately if there are any signs of blockage (such as water pooling around or in front of it).
Look for signs you may need to replace or repair your sump pump.
If your sump pump is over 10 years old, it’s time to replace it.
If you notice your sump pump leaking, stop using it and call a plumber immediately. The longer water sits in the system, the more likely mold will grow and cause damage to other parts of your home.
If you don’t have an automatic timer on your home’s main water shut-off valve (wherever that might be), don’t forget to turn off any faucets or fixtures between uses so they aren’t running while no one is there! This can save money on wasted energy and water usage—and keep those headaches at bay.
Dodge early stages of flooding with your sump pump
Lastly, ensure no water has entered any pipes underneath or around your house or garage. If you see any signs of flooding, call an expert who can help restore your home’s safety and peace of mind.
The last thing you want is rain pouring into your basement and ruining everything you own. But one of the most important things you can do to prevent this is to regularly check your sump pump. Apply the above tips to keep your sump pump in good working order to be ready when summer storms bring heavy rains.
References:
- Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.basementsystems.com/
