Ah, spring. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the melting snow and rain are causing the groundwater levels to rise, putting you at risk of a flooded basement.
Most of us in Ottawa have a sump pump in our basement because we know how awful flooding and the resulting damage can be – just remember the May 2017 flood, and the record-shattering amount of rainfall we got last year.
But a lot of people don’t know that you need to have sump pump maintenance regularly to keep this potential disaster at bay.
There are several things that could go wrong with your sump pump. In fact, if not installed correctly, your sump pump can also cause damage instead of preventing it.
If you suspect or are experiencing any of these problems, call us today to avoid a potential disaster. You can also learn more about 8 common sump pump problems and how to deal with them.
If you know anyone who’s had a flooded basement, or had one yourself, you know that the resulting damage can cost thousands of dollars and take a long time to repair.
Sometimes the flood is so bad it creeps up to your main living space. They have an absolutely devastating effect on both homes and homeowners.
That’s why it’s not only important to have a sump pump, but to have spring sump pump maintenance before something that devastating happens to you.
Before you call us for sump pump maintenance, there are a few things you can do.
A thorough inspection should always be the first step in your spring sump pump maintenance plan. If there’s anything cracked, or a part that’s broken, you should call us to come take a look.
A sump pump most often has a check valve that keeps the water from coming back in, and a discharge line that the sump pump sends the water up and out of your basement.
If something happens to these, water is going to come gushing back in, causing flooding and mechanical issues with your sump pump. That would be a huge, costly mess.
We recommend going outside to where your discharge line empties out, and clearing away any debris that might have built up around or inside the opening. Then inspect the check valve for any noticeable issues.
Please Note: Some sump pumps are connected to a sewer system to discharge the water. If that’s the case with your sump pump, have us make the inspection and check for clogs.
A sump pump should absolutely be tested before the big spring thaw, particularly if it hasn’t been in use in a while. The simplest way to do this is to fill a bucket with water, and pour it into your sump pump pit.
If your sump pump turns on right away and pumps out the water quickly, you’re in good shape. If you notice something isn’t working properly, move onto step 4.
If you’re sump pump isn’t working properly or needs to be replaced, it’s better to call us as early as possible, especially if you’re in an area that is prone to flooding. Our team of expert plumbers know exactly what to look for, and can install high-quality replacements.
Tip: If you are replacing your sump pump, now is the perfect time to invest in a battery-operated back-up pump. In bad storms, we can lose power, and a battery operated sump pump will keep your basement dry when your regular sump pump can’t.
Now is the time to start your spring sump pump maintenance. Book with us today to beat the spring rush, and we’ll have you ready for flood season in no time.
