For homeowners whose basements are prone to flooding, sump pumps can be tremendously helpful. When they’re working properly, sump pumps remove accumulated water after it collects in a designated basin to keep basements dry and safe. Yet, like any feature of your home, sump pumps can act up sometimes.

The expert plumbers from King’s Plumbing in West Chester, OH, have a few tips for keeping yours running well. Don’t wait until you’re experiencing heavy rains to find out whether your sump pump is in good working condition. Instead, take these simple proactive tips to ensure a dry basement:

• Know Your Type: Not all sump pumps are the same. Some are submersible, meaning the motor functions under water; others are pedestal-style, with the motor situated above the water. You’ll hear more noise coming from pedestal sump pumps, but they make it easier to control water levels to begin the pumping process.
• Test Your Pump: Check the functionality of your pump regularly by pouring water into the sump pit. If the pump doesn’t begin working and removing the water automatically, contact your plumber.   
• Consider Backup Options: If you don’t already have one, ask your plumber about backup options in the event you lose power. Loss of electricity and heavy rainfall tend to go hand-in-hand, so a battery backup could be useful for keeping your home dry even after the lights go out.
• Consider an Upgrade: Submersible sump pumps tend to last roughly a decade, but many homeowners can get about 20 years out of pedestal-style pumps. If your pump is approaching the end of its lifespan, you may wish to replace it in advance instead of waiting until a problem occurs. You might also consider advanced features, such as higher gallons-per-hour pump rates, if your area experiences heavy rainfall.  
• Call at the First Sign of a Problem: You can’t control when your sump pump will act up, but chances are it won’t happen at a convenient time. It’s a good idea to have the number for a 24-hour emergency plumber on hand just in case you ever need prompt sump pump repair.

King’s Plumbing is available around the clock and doesn’t overcharge fees for emergency services. Their reliable team specializes in sump pump repairs and installations, among other plumbing services which you can view on their website. To request an estimate, you can contact the plumbers by calling (513) 683-9935. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook to keep in touch and read through their five-star reviews.