If your home is in a low-lying area or a location with a high water table, a sump pump is necessary to prevent basement flooding. However, simply having a sump pump isn’t enough. It needs to be in good working condition before heavy rains arrive. Preparing your sump pump now ensures that it will work reliably throughout the rainy season, keeping your basement dry and your home protected.
How Water in Your Basement Can Damage Your Home
Excess moisture in your basement can lead to far more than just a damp, unpleasant space. It can pose serious risks to your home’s structure and air quality. One of the most significant concerns is the effect of water on your foundation. When water seeps beneath your home, it can cause the soil to expand and contract, leading to foundation shifting. Over time, this movement can result in cracks in your concrete slab. This process often takes months or even years. However, severe flooding can accelerate the damage, potentially causing permanent foundation issues within days.
Beyond foundation damage, persistent basement moisture can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth, leading to poor indoor air quality and health issues. Excess water can also damage HVAC equipment and drywall. It can even cause wood framing to rot, weakening your home’s overall structure. Additionally, a damp basement can attract pests such as termites and rodents, which thrive in moist environments.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Service
Just like your heating and cooling system, your sump pump needs regular professional maintenance. However, as a homeowner, you should assess your sump pump regularly to catch malfunctions so that you know when to call for service between tune-ups.
Odd Noises
When your sump pump runs, its motor makes a low humming sound. However, when something goes wrong, you may notice odd noises. For example, a rattling or grinding noise can indicate something stuck in the impeller.
Not Turning On
Your sump pump has an integrated float switch that’s responsible for turning on your sump pump when the water level reaches a predetermined height. If the water level is higher than it’s supposed to be, it’s a clear sign something is amiss with your pump. It could be a faulty float switch that needs to be replaced.
Continuous Running
Just as the float switch tells your sump pump when to turn on, it also tells it when to switch off. If your sump pump continues to run, even though the water level is below your predetermined height, it’s a sign of a malfunction. It’s best to shut off the power to your pump until it can be repaired by a professional. Pumps can burn up quickly when they run dry.
Short Cycling
Short cycling happens when your pump frequently turns on and off. This can indicate a malfunction with the pump’s internal wiring or could be a problem with its float switch. Even though your pump is still removing water when it’s running, you don’t want to let this problem progress. It’s best to have one of our plumbing professionals evaluate your pump to identify and repair the root cause of the issue.
Over 7 Years Old
Sump pumps have a relatively short lifespan, typically seven to 10 years. Their longevity depends on factors such as how often they run, if they are well maintained, and the amount of water they handle. A pump that runs frequently or lacks regular upkeep may wear out sooner. If your sump pump is over seven years old, consider replacing it before it fails, especially with the rainy season approaching. Upgrading proactively can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly water damage.
Annual Sump Pump Care Tips
You can perform several maintenance tasks to ensure your sump pump stays in tip-top condition. Ideally, you’ll want to take care of these tasks early in the spring before the rainy season hits.
Test Run
One of the best places to start your maintenance is by test-running your pump. You can do this by adding a bucket of water to its pit so that the water level increases. Or use a hose to fill up the pit to assess your pump’s operation.
Examine the Discharge Line
When test-running your sump pump, it’s best to head outside and inspect the discharge line. If it’s working properly, a constant flow of water should be coming out of the line. If you notice a slow trickle or no water, it indicates your discharge line is clogged with debris or ice.
Test Your Backup System
A backup battery for your sump pump can be a worthy investment for any homeowner. It allows your sump pump to run even when the power goes out, which is common during nasty thunderstorms that can bring a lot of rainfall. Turn off the circuit breaker to your sump pump and fill the pit with water. Ensure your pump kicks on and removes the excess water to confirm your battery backup is working correctly.
Clean Your Sump Pit
The pit for your sump pump can become clogged with debris over time if you don’t have an adequate cover. This debris will be things like paper or other objects on your basement floor that travel in the flood water to the pit. It’s best to clean out your pit in early spring. This will prevent the pump from accidentally sucking up this unwanted debris and potentially malfunctioning. Consider installing a cover or a wire mesh screen to prevent debris from accumulating inside your sump pump.
Neutralize Odors
A sump pit can develop unpleasant odors; you may notice foul smells in early spring after stagnant water has been sitting for months. To neutralize these smells, sprinkle baking soda over the water in the pit. This natural and safe solution helps absorb odors without harming your sump pump. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage the pump’s components and shorten its lifespan.
Test the Pump’s GFCI Outlet
For safety reasons, your sump pump should be plugged into a GFCI outlet. It’s best to test it regularly to ensure it is working properly. You can do this by pressing the test button on the front of the GFCI outlet. This should kill the power to the outlet, and the reset button should pop out. Next, push in the reset button to return the outlet to normal working condition.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
One preparation step you never want to overlook is scheduling professional maintenance. Ideally, your pump should be serviced annually in the early spring to prepare it for the rainy season ahead. During this service, every component of the pump will be thoroughly inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s working efficiently.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Swift Brothers, we provide reliable sump pump maintenance services for homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. We can also assist with all your sump pump installation, replacement, and repair needs. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing service appointment.