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Taking Care Of Your Sump Pump?

Updated: 9/27/2023
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If you live in an older home, your home might use a sump pump as part of its sewage system. Some older homes also use a sump pump to prevent basement or crawlspace flooding. If your family’s Plumbing system uses a sump pump, you need to complete regular maintenance tasks in order to keep your system in good working order. If you fail to complete these tasks, your system could fail. Sump pump repair can be extremely expensive, so it is best to avoid this cost if at all possible. Invest a little time in your sump pump system now, so that you do not have to invest a lot of money in it later.

1. Clean Out Your Sump Pump Periodically

Overtime, deposits can build up in your sump pump. These deposits of sand, dirt, and minerals from your pipes, can damage your sump pump. There are chemical products available that promise to break down these deposits and keep your sump pump clean. If you have not been treating your sump pump regularly, however, you might want to have a specialist come out and clean it manually. Then you can begin a chemical cleaning regimen.

2. Check The Battery

Many sump pumps have a battery back-up to help keep the system running if your home’s electrical system fails. You should periodically test the battery to make sure that it still holds a charge. A battery back-up is useless if it does not work properly. If you do not know how to test the battery, contact a plumber. Ask them how much they would charge for a quick battery check. This small maintenance cost could save you a considerable amount of money in the long term.

3. Consider A Plumbing Update

In some municipalities, sump pumps are no longer allowed because they can overwhelm the city’s sewer system. Although these laws might only apply to new construction, you might have a harder time selling your home if you have an out-dated plumbing system. To find out how much it would cost to upgrade your plumbing system, ask several contractors for estimates.

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Sump Pump Repair?

form_title=Sump Pump Repair form_header=11513 How would you best describe the problem?*= () "Bad odors () Motor sounds, but not discharging water () No power to sump pump unit () Water in sump overflowing () Needs general servicing () Other"


What is the difference between a sump pump and a utility pump?

A sump pump is submerged in a pit. It keeps house from flooding. A utiliity pump is used to pump water out of already flooded house, boat, pool, tank, etc....


Drain gurgles when the sump pump runs?

That sounds like you have a good sump pump and it's really trying hard to get rid of excess water.


How To Install A Sump Pump In Your Home’s Crawl Space?

When you have a crawl space under your home, you have the possibility of having flooding or water build up. If the level of water is allowed to build up too much you can find that your home can sustain costly damage and repair issues. Installing a sump pump in your crawl space can save you from this headache. Here is a guide to help you set up a sump pump for protection. Step 1. Turn off power to the sump pump at the main power source. This will help prevent electrical shock. Step 2. A solid foundation needs to be constructed for the sump pump to rest on. This foundation is best constructed of cinder bocks or a solid piece of wood that is a little larger than the size of the pump. The foundation also needs to be level for the best results. Step 3. Drill a small hole in the discharge pipe. This will help the air flow easier through the pipe for better pressure. Install the discharge pipe from the sump pump to the area where you want to drain the excess water to. Step 4. If water begins to flow back into the sump pump, you will need to install a check flow valve or similar device. Step 5. You will need to attach the power cord for the sump pump to the discharge pipe. This cord must be secure. Step 6. Plug the power cord for the sump pump into the electricity source that you plan on using. Turn the power back on at the main power source for the sump pump to operate. Step 7. It is necessary to test the sump pump for positive operation results prior to using it. To test your sump pump fill the sump pump with water. Never test or operate your sump pump without water being present. Step 8. Add water or refill the pump until there is enough water to reach the level where the sump pump will turn on. Step 9. If you want to install a cover for your sump pump, you can do this now. These covers will help to eliminate dirt and debris from building up in your sump pump and will help to provide odor control from stagnant water.


What is thermo overload on a sump pump?

It is an over heat protection to prevent pump windings from buring out

Related questions

What is Sump Pump Repair and why do I need it?

You would need a sump pump repair if the sump pump in your basement is not pumping out water. The purpose of a sump pump is to drain excess water that is part of your waterproofing system.


What is another name for a flood pump?

sump pump


Sump Pump Installation?

form_title=Sump Pump Installation form_header=11503 What is it you need a sump pump for?*= () Water leaks through walls () Basement floods during storms () Basement floods due to rising water table () In case pipe bursts or basement drain is clogged () Other () Don't Know Does the new pump location have electricity close-by?*= () Yes () No () Don't Know


Sump Pump Repair?

form_title=Sump Pump Repair form_header=11513 How would you best describe the problem?*= () "Bad odors () Motor sounds, but not discharging water () No power to sump pump unit () Water in sump overflowing () Needs general servicing () Other"


Will Coleman 1850 power mate pulse generator power a sump pump?

Yes it will power a small sump pump.


What is a sump pump discharge line?

The pipe coming off of sump pump that goes outside or if allowable, a drain line.


Where is the oil pump on a 1963 impala?

The oil pump is the the sump.


How long of a hose can be used on a sump pump?

A sump pump discharge line should run as far from the foundation walls as possible.


Can you straight wire a sump pump to the breaker box?

Yes. Check local electric codes to see if a disconnect is required at the sump pump. One way is to wire a single 15A circuit to an outlet for sump pump. Then the disconnect is just to unplug the pump for service.


What is the difference between a sump pump and a utility pump?

A sump pump is submerged in a pit. It keeps house from flooding. A utiliity pump is used to pump water out of already flooded house, boat, pool, tank, etc....


What does the check valve do in the sump pump?

It keeps the water that is pumped out from flowing back into the sump when the pump shuts off. Most sumps discharge several feet above the hole the pump sits in. If there was not a check valve the sump would just refill and pump out the water over and over.


What do you look for in a back up sump pump?

Power failures are the most likely cause of sump pump failure, but other reasons, such as a faulty switch, incorrect installation or even the unlikely event of a product failure, can trigger sump pump back-up. With routine maintenance on your sump pump, many failures can be avoided.If your sump pump backs up, West Michigan Septic Sewer & Drain Service, the knowledgeable, professional experts for your sump pump back-up repair, will promptly respond to your call.