How to Maintain a Transfer Sump Pump
A sump pump directs water away from a property, keeping the basement dry.
A sump pump directs water away from a property, keeping the basement dry. However, if the pump starts malfunctioning, it may result in a flooded basement. Homeowners can reduce the risk of this unfortunate scenario by regularly inspecting and maintaining the sump pump.
Follow these simple sump pump maintenance tips to ensure the unit’s optimal performance.
Test the sump pump
Homeowners should test the sump pump at least once yearly, preferably in the early spring. This way, they will ensure the pump operates correctly when the wet season arrives.
Testing includes pouring a few buckets of water into the sump pump. If the pump works, it should start pumping the water into the discharge pipe as soon as it reaches the predetermined level. If this doesn’t happen, the pump might be clogged or broken. In that case, homeowners should hire a professional repair service.
Clean the sump pump
With regular cleaning, homeowners can prevent debris from clogging the pump. However, before cleaning the unit, they must unplug it from the power supply. Then, they can perform the cleaning tasks safely.
The first step should be to check the basin with a flashlight and remove any dirt, gravel, or sand lodged inside. Here, homeowners should pay special attention to the incoming drainage lines. If debris blocks these lines, water won’t be able to channel into the sump pit.
Next, homeowners can use a sponge or a damp cloth to wipe the unit and remove grime. A garden hose can come in handy if there’s a lot of accumulated debris to remove.
Finally, homeowners should clean the pump’s inlet screen. This screen lines the bottom of the pump and prevents debris from entering and damaging it. A scrub brush will be ideal for this task.
Check for corrosion and worn parts
While cleaning the pump, homeowners can inspect it for any signs of corrosion or damage. They should examine the float switch closely since this part usually fails first. Other moving parts can naturally wear out over time.
If anything looks off during this inspection, homeowners should contact a qualified professional to fix the issue before it escalates.
Inspect the outside discharge pipe
The outside of the sump pump is just as important as the inside.
Homeowners should inspect the pump’s drainage system to ensure water gets carried away far from their homes, preventing threats to the foundation. The discharge pump should direct water at least 20 feet from the house. Homeowners should also check if this pipe is in place and unclogged, allowing water to flow freely.
Hire a professional repair service
Even with regular maintenance, the sump pump might still malfunction. If this occurs, homeowners should react quickly to avoid further damage. With a professional pump repair service, the unit will operate efficiently again.
Pump Repair Services provides residential and commercial pump repair services for water well pumps, water feature pumps, transfer pumps, industrial irrigation pumps, and more, as well as custom water filtration services in the Apopka area. (Sorry, no pool pumps or sewer pumps.) We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (407) 625-5499.
