Even if your Callahan home has a sump pump, you may not really know how it functions and protects your home. When sump pumps are installed properly by an experienced plumbing contractor, they redirect water away from your home to prevent flooding and water damage. As a general rule, homeowners should have their sump pumps serviced by a plumber every year so that they can operate effectively until the end of their useful life, which is approximately 10 years.
How to Maintain a Sump Pump
Although sump pumps don’t last forever, they will last longer with regular care and maintenance. You should work with your plumbing contractor to complete several important tasks regularly. Sump pumps should be cleared of all debris, sand, and dirt, and homeowners should make sure that the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is plugged in and free of excess moisture. If the sump pump is leaning or has fallen over, place it upright so that the float arm doesn’t become jammed. Homeowners should also test their sump pumps periodically by pouring water into the pit. A well-maintained pump will turn on and begin draining water immediately.
5 Common Sump Pump Complications
- Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines – If the discharge lines become frozen or clogged, the sump pump can fail entirely, and you’ll require the help of a plumbing contractor. You may also want to install a vented cover to the end of the discharge pipe to avoid clogging and to speak to your plumber about systems that can prevent freezing.
- – Debris Accumulation – Debris often collects in sump pits, especially if they aren’t covered. Too much debris can result in a malfunction of your sump pump. An accumulation of debris can also get the sump pump stuck in the “on” position, resulting in a burned-out motor.
- Improper Size of Sump Pump or Pit – Water can fill up your sump pit very quickly if the pit is too small, and if this situation happens, your sump pump experiences stress as it tries to keep up with the flow of water. Instead of basing the size of your sump pit on the size of the lowest level of your home, consider installing a sump pump with a more powerful motor. However, you shouldn’t purchase a pump that is too powerful because it will cycle faster than required, reducing its longevity.
- Power Outage – If your home experiences frequent power outages, having a backup battery for your sump pump is crucial. Otherwise, your sump pump will shut off and will not be able to direct water away from your property.
- Broken or Missing Check Valve – Water can’t cycle out of the discharge line properly if the check valve is broken or missing. Because sump pumps are installed below grade, the discharge line travels up before it goes down. If water runs backward into the sump pit, the sump pump will have to work twice as hard and may burn out.
Schedule Your Sump Pump Repairs with Our Skilled Plumbers
If you suspect a complication with your sump pump, don’t wait for a heavy rainstorm and flooding to contact a plumber. To prevent water damage to your Callahan home and property, reach out to Bert Norman’s Plumbing, a trusted plumbing contractor, to repair your sump pump as soon as possible.