Common Sump Pump Issues Your Home Can Encounter
Homeowners may mainly associate their plumbing system with bringing water into their homes. However, these systems can also be responsible for transporting waste or excessive water away from the home. In particular, sump pumps can be a common part of plumbing systems that are designed to remove water from the basement or other low areas of the house.
Have A Backup Power System For The Sump Pump
When the power fails, your home's sump pump may lose its ability to function. For very short power outages, this may not be a major concern. However, it can quickly lead to problems if the power outage lasts for an extended period or occurs during heavy rain. Without the protection of this pump, your home's basement could flood before the power is restored and the pump activates. A battery backup system can alleviate such risks, but these pumps can require considerable amounts of power to function. Therefore, you will want to invest in a high-capacity battery to keep the pump running.
Test The Pump Every Month
Regularly testing the sump pump is a prudent move that can alert you to the potential of some serious problems with the unit. This is especially important for those living in areas where rain may be sporadic, as it may be impossible to know that there is an issue with the pump until heavy rains arrive. Testing a sump pump is actually a simple task that can usually be completed by simply pouring a pot or bucket of water into the sump pump floor drain. The pump should detect this water and activate. If you fail to hear or see the pump activating, it could indicate that there are problems with either the pump's water sensors or the mechanical components.
Ensure The Drain Pipe Is In Good Condition
The water that is removed by the sump pump will need somewhere to go. To this end, there will be a high-capacity drain that allows this water to leave. Unfortunately, damage or blockages to this drain can have serious consequences, as it can prevent the pump from being able to remove this water. The end result of these problems is likely to be a flooded basement. Visually inspecting the end drain for your sump pump should not be difficult once you know where this drain is located. In addition to looking for signs of visible damage, you should also check for debris inside or around this drain -- these materials can severely decrease the flow of water from the pipe.
If you need sump pump help, drain cleaning, or water heater installation, speak with a plumbing company.