Did you know that an inch of water is enough to cause $25,000 of home damage? Way more, if the source of flooding is gray or black water. Both are types of wastewater that may contain disease-causing germs.
Wastewater, in turn, can flow back into your house due to a home plumbing backup. Likewise, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) can also cause sewage to enter your home. SSOs in the U.S. are common, occurring at an annual rate of 23,000 to 75,000 cases.
The good news is that proper sump pump maintenance can reduce your risk of such hazards.
To that end, we created this guide outlining the most crucial sump pump care and maintenance tips. Read on, as these practices can help ensure that the one you have works when you need it the most (hint: when it floods).
Prioritize Your Safety
An estimated 30,000 non-fatal electrical incidents occur annually in the United States. Most cause minor shock injuries, but others are more severe, landing people in burn units.
So before performing work on your sump pump, turn off its switch first. Then, disconnect it from its power source. Do the same for all home maintenance tasks involving electrical devices, such as the heater or AC.
Next, wear goggles to protect your eyes from rogue debris that may fly all over the place as you clean the pump. Likewise, don a face mask to prevent contaminants that may go airborne. It's also best to use gloves to safeguard your hands from cuts and disgusting muck.
Remove Debris Build-up in the Basin
Your sump pump sits inside a "sump," a pit or a hole carved below your basement floor's main surface. This pit is what most plumbing pros refer to as a "basin."
Over time, dirt, rocks, and pebbles can build up in the basin. So before extracting the pump, remove all loose debris from the pit first.
Check Connections for Mold
Because sump pumps come into contact with water, they can develop mold growth. You may notice these fuzzy things by the spot where the discharge pipe joins the pump.
If you don't see any mold, try removing the pipe. If it's stuck, take that as a sign of mold build-up.
In that case, you can use regular white vinegar to kill and clean the molds in the pipe and the sump. Alternatively, you can use household bleach. But don't use them together, as they can produce chlorine gas, which is potentially deadly.
Clean the Pump and Pipe
If your sump pump is in the basement, take it and the pipe outside first. That way, you can clean them without leaving a mess in your home. Also, place the discharge pipe inside a trash bag to prevent it from leaving a trail of debris and muck indoors.
Next, moisten a sponge or piece of cloth and use this to wipe the pump and pipe. Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt over the components. It's also a good idea to clean a small section at a time.
If there's too much grime and gunk build-up, you can spray down the pump and pipe with a garden hose. However, turn down the water pressure a few notches to avoid damaging the components.
Look for Pump or Pipe Damage
After cleaning the sump pump and pipe, wipe them dry with a fresh piece of cloth or sponge. Then, closely inspect both components for any sign of corrosion, cracks, dents, or holes.
If you find any, get in touch with a licensed plumbing professional in your area. You may also want to check this page to learn more about the signs that you may need sump pump repair.
Keep the Inlet Screen Debris-Free
Your sump pump has an inlet screen located along its base. It's a meshed filter that prevents dirt and debris from entering the pump and wreaking havoc on it. If it gets blocked, your pump can't suck in water, resulting in potential flooding.
So as part of your sump pump maintenance, check the inlet screen for debris build-up. If you find any, remove it with a scrub brush or an old toothbrush and water.
Examine Your Sump Pump's Drainage System
Your sump pump's drainage includes part of the discharge pipe outside your home. It's responsible for carrying water safely away from your property's foundation.
Therefore, the discharge line's opening or outlet must always be clog-free. For the same reason, it's a must to inspect the pipe's opening and outlet as you perform sump pump maintenance. You should find them at least 20 feet from your house.
Remove leaves, twigs, dirt, soil, or anything else obstructing the hole or grating.
Test Your Pump
After cleaning your sump pump, put it back in the basin and reconnect the discharge line. Ensure the pipe is secure before plugging the unit back into its power source. Then, switch it back on.
Next, get a bucket of water and pour it down the basin.
If the pump is in good condition, it should activate immediately. You'll know that it is if it produces a slight humming sound. Moreover, it should efficiently remove the water you just poured down the pit.
Testing your unit, say, after performing maintenance on it, is something you should do at least once a year. However, to be safe, run a test as soon as your weather forecast says a typhoon is about to hit your area.
Time for Sump Pump Maintenance
Remember: As floods become more common, millions more U.S. homes are at risk. In addition, severe weather can overtax sewers, causing SSOs and plumbing backups.
All that should be enough reason for you to perform regular and proper sump pump maintenance. By doing so, you can ensure your unit can keep protecting you from indoor flooding.
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