How many times have you walked past the sump pump in your basement without giving it a second thought? Probably too many times to count. You assume it will kick on and operate when needed. But, what happens if it doesn’t? The answer: A flooded basement. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to maintain your sump pump so it will fulfill its role and keep your basement dry.
Give Your Sump Pump a Quick Test
Pour a bucket of water into your sump pump. If your sump pump is working, it will kick on and drain the water away. If it doesn’t kick on, you know there’s a problem. You certainly want to be aware of a sump pump issue before the spring rains arrive here in Waterford and the surrounding area!
Listen for Telltale Signs of Problems
Listen to your sump pump during its operation. It should run in a fairly quiet way. If you hear bangs or a loud humming, there could be an issue with your system.
At Jeff’s Custom Care Plumbing, we are extremely familiar with the noises made by an ailing sump pump. Our plumbers can diagnose the issue and make the appropriate repairs to get your sump pump up and running with efficiency.
Do Some Cleaning Work
Our years of providing sump pump repairs in Waukesha have taught us that every sump pump needs cleanup work from time to time.
The first thing to do before you begin any cleaning work is to unplug your sump pump. Also, it’s a good idea to put on plastic goggles. You never know when a splash is coming your way. Next, get a flashlight so you can properly inspect the pit. A shop vac is helpful in removing sand or dirt buildup in a sump pump’s pit. Removing this debris helps to prevent the incoming drainage lines from becoming blocked.
Check out the condition of the cover of your sump pump. If the cover is damaged or doesn’t fit securely, it allows debris to drop into the pit, creating a clog. A cracked or broken sump pump cover should be replaced.
Check the Discharge Pipe for Blockage
The discharge pipe to your sump pump is located outside. Looking for and clearing any blockage from this pipe allows water to flow out without an issue. This is an especially tricky maintenance step.
Our plumbers at Jeff’s Custom Care Plumbing have the experience and equipment to clear the discharge pipe of your sump pump. We are proud to serve the plumbing needs of homeowners in Waukesha as well as in Waterford, Muskego, Burlington, and Brookfield here in Wisconsin. Let us handle the regular maintenance and repair work for your sump pump so you can enjoy peace of mind. Call us to schedule an appointment today!