Simple Tips For Sump Pump Maintenance: Keep Your Basement Dry!
Don’t let a heavy rain turn into a flooded basement nightmare! A well-maintained sump pump is your secret weapon against a wet basement. Here’s how to keep yours running smoothly.
Routine Sump Pump Checks: Protect Your Basement
A reliable sump pump is crucial for preventing costly water damage. Here’s a simple maintenance schedule to keep your basement dry:
Monthly:
- Check inlet screen: If your sump pump handles washing machine discharge, inspect the inlet screen for clogs.Debris can damage your pump and lead to flooding.
Quarterly:
- Inspect pump and pit: Given Joliet-Chicago’s heavy rainfall, it’s essential to check for any issues at least every three months. Look for signs of wear, leaks, or obstructions.
Yearly Maintenance:
- Deep clean: Thoroughly clean your sump pump and pit to remove sediment and debris.
- Test functionality: Ensure the pump operates correctly by simulating heavy rainfall.
After Heavy Rain:
- Immediate inspection: Always check your sump pump after intense storms to verify its proper function.
Protect Yourself Further:
Early detection is key! A flooded basement can be a nightmare, often taking weeks to dry out with constant fan use.
Consider a battery backup or water-powered sump pump for added peace of mind during power outages.
Joliet Sump Pump Testing Tips
Don’t let a flooded basement catch you by surprise! Regular sump pump maintenance is crucial for a dry and healthy home. Here’s how to keep your sump pump running smoothly:
Visual Check:
- Especially important during heavy rain or after a basement remodel, look for any debris blocking the pump or pit.
Clean the Pump and Pit:
- Remove debris from the sump pit bottom and the pump’s inlet screen regularly (every few months or after heavy rain). A clogged screen is a major cause of pump failure.
- For a deep clean, remove the pump at least once a year and clean both the pump and the pit.
Float Switch:
- Make sure the float switch isn’t stuck and can move freely up and down.
Test the Pump:
- Pour five gallons of water into the pit. The float switch should activate the pump, which should discharge the water efficiently.
Air Bleed Hole:
- With the pump running, check for a small stream of water coming out of the air bleed hole. A clogged hole can affect pump performance.
Discharge Line:
- Ensure all piping connections are secure, both inside the basement and outdoors.
- Verify the discharge line drains at least 20 feet away from your home or building.
Battery Backup Sump Pump:
- Consider a battery backup pump for added peace of mind in case of power outages.
- Regularly check the battery water level (if applicable).
- Replace the battery every 3-5 years, or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Motor Lubrication:
- Consult your owner’s manual to see if your sump pump motor requires grease or oil.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your sump pump is in top condition and ready to keep your basement dry all year round.
How Long Does a Sump Pump Battery Last? 3-5 Years.
As a general rule of thumb, during a power outage most new fully-charged batteries last 5-7 hours of continuous pumping and roughly 1-3 days of non-continuous pumping depending on the frequency. In general we advise changing your fluid type battery every 3-5 years.
Factors Affecting Battery Life:
Continuous pumping vs. non-continuous pumping affects lifespan. Battery size (amp-hour rating), the age of the battery, and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) all affect sump pump battery life.
Signs It’s Time to Replace the Battery:
Besides the age (usually over 5 years), is the pump taking longer to start, the battery not holding a charge for as long as it used to, or the battery bulging?
Maintaining Your Sump Pump Battery:
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your sump pump battery. Checking the battery connections for corrosion and cleaning them if necessary, and performing a full discharge and recharge cycle on the battery every few months.
Sump Pump Motor Life Expectancy: Factors and Tips
Sump pump motors are vital for protecting your basement from flooding. They pump out excess water and keep your foundation dry. But how long do these motors typically last?
The life expectancy of a sump pump motor can be 3, 5 even 10 years depending on several factors:
- Maintenance: Regularly cleaning your sump pump and checking for debris can help prevent the stresses of clogs and extend the life of the motor.
- Pump quality: Higher quality pumps with better materials tend to last longer than lower quality pumps.
- Usage frequency: Sump pumps that run constantly, such as those in areas with high water tables, will wear out faster than pumps that cycle on and off infrequently.
While there’s no guaranteed way to predict a pump failure, we offer electrical motor life test and inspection that can identify potential problems before they arise.
For a Free Sump Pump Motor Test, Contact PDM Plumbers Today! Call 815-390-7095 .
Don’t Let Water Win! Reliable Sump Pump Service in Joliet & SW Chicago Suburbs
You shouldn’t wade in ankle deep water in your basement. At PDM Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, we’ve been keeping homes dry since 1885. Our PDM Clean Team offers expert sump pump maintenance, repair, and replacement to ensure your peace of mind.
We understand the importance of a functioning sump pump, especially during heavy rains. That’s why we provide fast, reliable service to keep your basement protected from water damage.
We offer pump services in:
- Joliet
- New Lenox
- Frankfort
- Plainfield
- Bolingbrook
- Lockport
- Romeoville
- Homer Glen
- SW Chicago Suburbs
Call Today and Don’t Risk Costly Water Damage!
PDM stands against cutting corners. We’ll ensure your sump pump is in tip-top shape to keep your home safe.
Contact PDM for fast help 815-390-7095 .
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