If you have water in your basement or live in an area where it may be possible you need to invest in a sump pump. As water levels continue to rise there are more people and buildings that are likely to be affected by water entering their homes, especially when you factor in the violent storms and heavy rainfall of the last winter.
There are many reasons why you may have water in your home but you should be aware that it can cause extensive damage. You may simply experience a wet basement floor which can be difficult to dry and encourage mold growth. However the water level may also rise, damaging personal possessions and even causing structural damage over the long term.
It can be difficult to deal with the emotional effects of damage to sentimental items. That’s why a sump pump can be so beneficial. But, you need to purchase one from a reputable dealer in mine dewatering pumps from companies such as truflopumps.com.au. This will help to ensure you have years of service from it.
To make sure this is the case you can use these simple tips to maintain your sump pump.
Buy From A Reputable Dealer
The most important step in maintaining your sump pump is actually purchasing the right one in the first place. This is more than just buying a reputable brand, although that does help.
The right pump needs to be rated according to the amount of water it is likely to need to move, this will ensure it is capable of doing the job without straining. A pump that is straining will wear out much quicker while an oversized pump means you’re spending a lot more than you need to.
A reputable dealer will help you to calculate all the variables and find the perfect pump for your home or business, reducing the maintenance needs.
Regular Maintenance
Every sump pump should be serviced annually, even if you’ve been lucky enough not to need it. Servicing means checking all the parts to ensure they are not worn. A pump that is not used can experience dry seals, which will not effectively allow water to be removed from your basement.
Internal lubrication levels should also be verified to ensure the pump will run smoothly if it is needed. The pumps that are most important to maintain annually are those that are not used often. These are the ones that will seize up and not work when you really need them to.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain a used pump. These clearly have regular work to do and regular maintenance will help to ensure they are working properly, extending their lifespan.
Test It
Testing it should be part of the maintenance but it’s also something you can do yourself periodically. A simple test involves slowly pouring water over the pump until the level of the water in the hole exceeds the pump activation level. At this stage the pump should click on. If it doesn’t there is an issue with the activation switch.
Alternatively, it may whine which means it’s trying to work but can’t, potentially because of a clogged line or a broken part.
It’s best to get expert help to strip the pump and sort the issue.
Battery Backup
Your pump is most likely to be called upon in adverse weather conditions. If you’ve performed all the maintenance to ensure it’s working properly then you should add a battery backup to your system.
Heavy storms and rain are most likely to cause a power outage, you need to be ready for them to get the benefits from the pump.
A simple battery that is powerful enough to run the pump will do. It should be connected to the power supply and periodically you can unplug the power before pouring water over the pump to ensure the battery is holding its charge and will run the pump if necessary.
Clean It
Pumps generally sit unused for the summer months. This is the time when leaves, nests, and other debris can build u in the pipes. Unfortunately, these items can block the pipes, rendering the pump useless when you actually need it.
That’s why it’s essential to check these pipes before and after the summer, removing any blockages will ensure your pump works properly when you need it.
It’s worth noting that rotten smells coming from your basement, the pump area, or the pipes away from the ump can suggest there is an issue with the pump. They can also point to a problem in the pipes that need to be sorted.
Insurance
Alongside maintaining your pump it’s important to consider the right insurance policy. Insurance covers your home for water damage which can give you peace of mind and help you to replace valuable items. Flood damage can be an exceptionally costly experience, it’s not just the damage to furnishings that you need to consider it’s the cost of repairing the damage to the building and even having to stay somewhere else while the work is being done.
However, insurance can also cover your pump. This will give you quick access to an alternative pump which could make a big difference to the amount of damage your home suffers.
Of course, you can always keep a spare pump handy and maintain it as well, that’s the ultimate back up if you experience an issue with your main pump.
Noises
The key to maintaining your pump is to monitor it regularly. If you notice it making any unusual sounds or loud noises it’s time to call the professionals and have the pump checked. It’s better to check it regularly and get issues sorted sooner rather than later. This will help to make sure the pump is ready for use when you really need it.
Don’t forget, while you can do many of these maintenance tasks yourself, it’s always a good idea to have a professional look over the pump at least once a year. It may even be an essential condition of your insurance policy.
