Your home’s sump pump is one of those features that you probably don’t think about very often. It is hidden away and can go for long periods of time without running – or only running intermittently. It is not until you really need your sump pump and it fails to work that you realize its importance. But when this occurs, it is too late. The damage from flooding can be severe.
Like all appliances in Etobicoke and Mississauga homes, sump pumps can break down – and this tends to never happen at a convenient time.
To make sure that your sump pump works when needed, regular maintenance is strongly recommended. By taking the following routine maintenance steps, you can help ensure that your sump pumps runs properly for years to come. Because a little preventative maintenance now can save you some big headaches later on.
Quarterly Maintenance
Generally, these are tasks that you can do yourself; however, if you are uncomfortable with these, you can still call in a professional.
- Unplug the sump pump and drain the basin of standing water.
- Clean the basin, removing any debris and ensure that the inlet screen is clean and not obstructed.
- Plugin the pump and then pour five gallons of water into the basin to ensure that the float switch turns on and activates the pump.
Annual Sump Pump Maintenance
Some of these tasks may be done by the DIY-savvy homeowner in Etobicoke or Mississauga, but you are better off to call in a professional plumber if you are unsure of any of them.
- Unplug the sump pump and remove it from the basin to inspect for any rust or corrosion signs. Clean the inlet screen.
- Refer to your sump pump owner’s manual to see whether or not the bearings require lubrication and if they do, use the recommended amount of grease to lubricate them. (If the bearings are sealed, they will not require lubrication.)
- Remove dirt and debris from the basin.
- Reinstall the sump pump and plug it into the power source.
- Pour five gallons of water into the basin and check to see that it turns on the float switch to activate the pump.
- Go outside to inspect the pump discharge pipe and ensure that it is not obstructed by debris or vegetation. Also, ensure that it drains completely as water left standing in the pipe could freeze during the winter and burst the pipe.
Contact D. Jason Plumbing today!
When was the last time that you performed (or had someone else perform) routine maintenance on your sump pump? If it has been some time, do yourself a favour and contact D. Jason Plumbing. Our professionals would be happy to come out to your home to ensure that your sump pump works the way it should. And who knows, it just might save you from the hassle and expense of flooding and water damage.