You’re probably the proud owner of a sump pump, and you might not even realize it. Sump pumps are underneath most houses, in the lowest point of the house, and they serve to get rid of excess groundwater to protect your foundation. It’s extremely easy to completely forget about sump pumps, but, just like any other appliance in your home, it’s important to inspect and maintain them. Otherwise, you might cause significant foundation, or be forced to shop for new sump pumps in Boston, MA. Here are some tips to keep your sump pump working properly.
Once Every Three Months
Every three months, you should inspect your sump pump, to look for anything that might be wrong with it. Examine the inlet screen, or, there is no screen, examine the area where the sump pump intakes. Make sure that it is clean, and there are no cracks. Inspect the power cord as well, both along the length of the cord, and at the socket, to make sure it’s plugged in properly. Finally, once you’ve checked everything, pour a buck of water into the pump to make sure that the pump reacts and begins to drain it.
Once Every Year
Once a year, you should inspect the pump more thoroughly. Of course, check the elements you would check monthly; the intake, the power cord, visible damage, etc. Furthermore, you should remove the pump itself from the apparatus and inspect it closely. If it appears to be undamaged, then clean the pump thoroughly before returning. Make sure that the entire apparatus is level as well, or it will not work efficiently. You should also examine all of the pipes, including the drainage pipe leading away from your home, for blockage. Once you’ve done all of this, pour water into the pump just like you normally would, to test for functionality.
Professional Inspection
It would be a bit excessive to call in a professional every few months, but if you do not feel comfortable with the yearly inspection, or if you worry you might miss something important, then feel free to call a professional inspector for your once a year inspection. The inspector will likely be more familiar with your model and be able to determine if there are issues with any of the valves, alarms, or discharge points.
Sump pump maintenance is a decidedly unpleasant task, and it does seem like it wouldn’t be necessary all the time, but you do not want to suffer the consequences of failing to maintain it properly. Water is the number one source of foundation damage, and repairing your foundation is a project that can run easily into the thousands. If you want to protect your home, always make sure to maintain your sump pump. Contact Basement Technologies at Website URL for more details. Like us Google+.
