SERVPRO: 7 sump pump maintenance mistakes to avoid

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog discusses the usual maintenance errors that homeowners make when taking care of their sump pumps.

7 common sump pump maintenance mistakes homeowners make

A sump pump plays a vital role in arresting the damage that flooding can cause due to storms and other plumbing issues. A sump pump helps pump away all the water from inside the house to a storm drain. However, these sump pumps need to be maintained properly so they are functional when the need arises. SERVPRO, a water damage restoration company, shares some of the maintenance mistakes that often lead to sump pumps failing in the hour of need.

Sump pumps can be distinguished into two types: submersible and pedestal pumps. The submersible ones are installed under the basement floor, while the “pedestal” pump sits above the sump basin. Here are some common mistakes that homeowners must avoid to keep their sump pumps functioning at their best.

1. No power backup 

A storm will most likely knock out the electricity making the sump pump incapable of pumping out the water. Therefore a generator or battery backup system must be installed and regularly inspected to ensure that it works in case of flooding.

1. No testing of the sump pump

The sump pump must be tested before spring and fall. This testing can be done by pouring in about a 5-gallon bucket full of water at an adequate pace until the float triggers and activates the pump. If the water level doesn’t drop down slowly and the pump doesn’t shut down when the float drops back to its original state, there are some issues that must be addressed instantly. In scenarios where the water level drops a bit too slowly, the discharge pipe or the pump may have some blockages that need to be addressed. 

1. Neglecting the discharge pipe

Discharge pipes must be inspected regularly to detect any leaks or clogs. More importantly, these pipes must be directed away from the perimeter of the house to avoid water backup. Since these pipes are often underground, any flaws in these are not noticeable until it’s too late.

1. Allowing debris in the pump

Any debris getting inside the sump pump can ruin its motor. Homeowners must ensure that the pump is placed on stable, flat bricks with no silt or gravel in the vicinity. If such debris gets inside, the float will cause the pump to malfunction. Installing a filter fabric in the sump basin will discourage any debris from entering the pump. 

1. Ignoring the float switch

The float switch acts as a level sensor that causes the pump to switch on and off according to the water level. These float switches don’t last forever and must be changed every 7 years. The sump pump needs space around the float to both float and sink freely. So homeowners can set the float switch up so it triggers the pump when the water rises about 5 inches in most pits. 

1. Unplugging the pump

Ideally, the sump pump must never be unplugged. But if the situation demands it, homeowners must remember to plug it back in so that when the flooding happens, the sump pump is activated automatically. 

1. Incorrectly placed check valve 

A sump pump’s check valve prevents the water from flowing back into the pump and prevents the system from working too hard. The check valve is installed in the discharge pipe of the sump pump and should be placed in the direction that points away from the pump and/or as per the arrow on it. 

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford specializes in restoring residential and commercial properties damaged by water, fire, mold, and storm. With its state-of-the-art equipment, the company’s IICRC-certified technicians efficiently and swiftly bring a damaged property back to its preloss state. SERVPRO has 1900 strategically positioned franchises all across the US and Canada that enable a swift response to an emergency of any magnitude, anywhere in the country. Offering the best services in the industry, SERVPRO’s team undergoes constant skill upgradation and uses the latest technology and equipment to restore properties. Additionally, as the preferred restoration partner for most insurance companies, SERVPRO eases the insurance claims process for its clients. 

To learn more about SERVPRO’s water damage restoration services, contact Team Shaw of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com