Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

We’re excited to welcome the warmer weather, but unfortunately, this change can cause a several problems regarding basements and flooding. Although you may think flooding only happens during heavy rain, it can also be caused by water from snow melt and saturated soil seeping through small cracks in your foundation.

If your home is prone to flooding, we recommend you take a few precautions with your sump pump to help mitigate the damage or to even prevent flooding entirely.

A sump pump’s job is to collect water and redirect it away from your home so your basement can stay clean and dry. These machines are installed in the lowest part of your home and collect water before it has the chance to cause flooding within the basement. Groundwater often enters your home through cracks in foundation after the snow melts or during heavy rains. Even small amounts of water can inflict thousands of dollars in damage to your home, so it’s important to ensure that your machine is working properly. A sump pump is typically installed in a small pit, about 24 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter. When water enters the pit, a buoy floats to the top of the water, causing the float activator arm to move with it. When the float activator arm moves, the sump pump turns on and begins pumping water through pipes that lead away from your home.

How to Test Your Sump Pump

1. You should ensure that your sump pump is working correctly before you need it.

2. Make sure the pit and the area surrounding it are clear of any debris that could prevent the machine from properly working.

3. Test your sump pump by pouring water directly into the pit. You’ll need to pour enough that the float activator arm will move, but you shouldn’t pour enough that the pit overflows.

4. If you have a functioning sump pump, you should hear the machine turn on and begin pumping water out of the pit. If your sump pump isn’t functioning as expected, you’ll need professional attention to prevent it from overflowing when you depend on it.

Need help inspecting or repairing your sump pump? Learn more about our services or contact us for more information.

Related Blog Posts:
Flooding Prevention Tips
How to Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather
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