If you have a basement and live somewhere with heavy rain or flooding, your sump pump is your first line of defense to protect your home from excess water and the damage that comes with it. Here’s a guide to maintaining and troubleshooting your sump pump to avoid a visit from the plumber.

FAQ About Sump Pumps

Why do sump pumps stop working?

There are a variety of reasons for this, but the most common is a simple power outage. Especially during a storm, losing power can cause your sump pump to stop functioning. Make sure you have a manual backup generator with a surge protection device to help avoid this problem.

Other reasons include incorrect installation, an inappropriately sized pump, or clogged lines. When your plumber is installing your sump pump, be sure it’s done right and is the correct capacity for your space. Also, utilize proper drain cleaning procedures using a plumbing snake to ensure collected water can escape your home.

What kind of maintenance should I do?

It will depend on your plumber’s recommendations, but in general, regular maintenance should include:

• Running the pump at least yearly
• Checking outside to ensure the pump is discharging water correctly
• Checking the operation of the float
• Cleaning the discharge lines and air hole

Are there other problems to be aware of?

Sometimes, your sump pump may run continuously. Whether this is due to the float switch becoming tangled, an incorrectly sized pump, or simply continuous water flowing into the pit, a pump that doesn’t turn off will wear out more quickly.

I’ve got all that, but it’s still not working. What do I do?

If you’re doing regular maintenance, and you know your pump is the right size and installed correctly, but it still isn’t working, it’s time for a professional to take a look. You may need more extensive plumbing repair than you originally thought to avoid a flood.

Trust your home to the professionals at E Dake Ltd The Plumbing & Heating Doctors in Perry, Ohio. Whether you need sump pump help, sewer line repair, heating or air conditioning services, or something else, this team will help keep your home comfortable and healthy. For a complete list of their services, check out their website. You can also give them a call at (440) 259-5997.