Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Your sump pump is a critical piece of hardware. Without it, water can back up into your basement or crawlspace and cause a host of problems. While your pump won’t last forever, there are things you can do to help maximize its lifespan and keep it working at peak capacity. Let’s talk about the most important sump pump maintenance tips.

Test Before the Wet Season

You might not need your sump pump for most of the year, but when the rainy season starts, you want to know that you can count on it. Test your pump before the season starts so that you can have any needed repairs or replacements handled well ahead of time. You can simply pour a five-gallon bucket of water slowly into the pump. It should turn on and pump the water out. If it does not, have the pump serviced.

Check for Dirt and Debris

Sump pumps are meant to move water from one place to another. However, it’s not unusual for them to get gummed up with dirt and debris. Remove the lid (if applicable) and check for gravel, sand, debris, or other foreign material. If you notice any, remove it. 

Check Drain Lines

The incoming drain lines move water from the surrounding area to the pump for removal. However, if those lines start to clog up, water will move more slowly. They can eventually silt up completely. Check your lines for clogs and clean them regularly.

Replace Worn or Damaged Parts

Your sump pump includes both electronic and mechanical parts. These are subject to wear and tear over time. Make sure that you replace worn parts when necessary. One good example is the float switch. These are subject to significant use, which means they wear a lot over time. You should replace your float switch roughly every two years.

Know When to Call the Pros

While you can do a lot of sump pump maintenance yourself, know when to call in the experts. If you notice that your pump is making strange noises, that water isn’t moving out, or see signs of rust, you might need to replace the pump.

At Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing, we can help you keep that sump pump in perfect working order for the duration, or we can replace it when it’s time. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation or to learn more.