How to Ensure Sump Pumps Are Ready for Spring

A Working Sump Pump Protects Homes From Flooding and Water Damage

A sump pump protects against home and basement flooding and its costly effects, such as water damage and mold growth, during spring thaws and heavy rainfall. However, after sump pump installation, it’s essential to take routine steps to ensure sump pumps are ready and working correctly before they are needed to remove water. 

This guide will discuss how sump pumps work and provide tips on how to keep them working well to protect the home. Don’t let a faulty sump pump or a power outage leave the home vulnerable to flooding and damage, and discover practical ways to secure peace of mind. 

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

Sump pumps serve as a home’s first line of defense against flooding and its negative and costly consequences. It’s a water removal system that automatically activates when groundwater levels rise, preventing potential water damage to the home and belongings. Being activated automatically is extremely important as it can protect the house from flooding even when nobody is home. 

The water collects in the sump pit, which is located at the lowest point in the home or basement. When water in the sump pump basin or pit reaches a predetermined level, the float switch automatically triggers the sump pump to start working. The sump pump’s impeller then pushes water from the pit up through the discharge pipe and safely away from the house and its foundation. Most sump pump drainage systems direct this water at least 10-20 feet away from the house, preventing it from circulating back into the home or basement.

Testing and Maintaining the Sump Pump to Make Sure It Works Correctly

Regular sump pump testing is crucial to ensure the sump pump works well and that the home and basement stay dry during spring thaws and heavy rainfall. To verify that a sump pump is working correctly, people should slowly pour water into the sump pit until the float switch activates the pump automatically. Once turned on, the system should respond quickly. If the sump pump doesn’t turn on or struggles to remove water effectively, a plumber should be called for sump pump repair or replacement before flooding can occur.

Beyond basic testing, regular sump pump maintenance is important for extending the sump pump’s lifespan and catching any issues before the sump pump is needed. Professionals can inspect the sump pump system and identify potential issues like a clogged discharge pipe, switch failures, or other problems that can lead to flooding and that homeowners might miss. They’ll also verify that the sump pump’s capacity matches a property’s needs. Routine sump pump inspection and maintenance to ensure it operates correctly costs far less than flooding and water damage repairs, so it’s best to have peace of mind that it works well.

Why a Sump Pump Backup Is Important for Complete Protection

People may think that their homes are protected with just a primary sump pump installed. However, a secondary sump pump or sump pump backup is essential for safeguarding the home when a primary sump pump fails, is overwhelmed, or loses power. 

Flooding may overwhelm the primary sump pump system, requiring a backup sump pump to kick in. Additionally, a sump pump backup can take over water removal when the primary sump pump malfunctions or fails. Power outages represent another threat to sump pump operation, especially during severe weather and storms that can cause a loss of power when homes need protection from flooding the most.

The consequences of a sump pump failure can be devastating. Without a secondary system in place, just one power outage or mechanical breakdown could result in thousands of dollars in water damage. So, having a backup in place, like a battery-powered backup sump pump or water-powered sump pump backup that can automatically activate when needed, means continued protection from flooding.

About Spencer Home Services

Spencer Home Services is a family-owned and operated company serving the Peabody community. They provide straightforward pricing, the latest technology, and emergency services. Call them for sump pump installation and repair services in Peabody, MA.

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