What To Do Yearly On Your Sump Pump

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Your sump pump is a line of defense keeping your basement dry. A home with a basement typically has drain tile around the perimeter of the basement that leads into a pit where the pump is located.  When ground water enters those pipes, it’s directed towards the pit and then the pump lifts that water out and pumps it either outside or into your sewer system.  All basements should have a primary pump and some sort of battery back up too.

What To Do Yearly On Your Sump Pump

All pumps fail you just want to avoid that happening in the middle of a rainstorm. On average a pump lasts about 7-10 years.  Here are tips to keep the pump you have running it’s best. Do these steps on a yearly basis to keep it running when heavy rains in the forecast.

 
  1. When the pump is not running unplug the unit from the wall. Raise the lid if your pit has one. The pipe leading up out of the pit is connected typically to a check valve  (gate that opens and closes when the pump is activated). Loosen the clamp on the lower side closer to the pump to free up the pipe.  A little water may drip back into the pit that’s OK.  Once disconnected, grab that pipe and the cord, lift the pump out of the pit.

  2. Use a wet/dry vac and clean out all the debris and water from the bottom of the pit, along with the openings where the drain tile comes into the pit.

  3. Locate where the water comes into the pump either on the bottom or around the base. Clean all the holes and openings to allow maximum flow.

  4. Plug the pump in and test the switch. Raise and lower it and make sure it activates the pump.  The motor on the pump should sound smooth when running, no grinding or chatter.  If it’s noisy, you should replace it.

  5. Reverse the steps to re-install the pump. Once it all connected take a 5 gallon Ace bucket filled with water and pour into the pit for a final check that all is working.

Published on 5/20/2021.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions before using any product.
For more helpful tips and advice, visit a neighborhood Ace or visit us online at acehardware.com
 
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