Your sump pump protects your basement from flooding by detecting rising water levels and removing excess water via discharge pipes. But sump pumps, like all machines, will wear down with time and use, and can stop working if they get too dirty or damaged. If you want to prevent your sump pump from failing when you need it most, you should perform regular maintenance on it to keep its motor, float switch, and discharge system in top condition. Here are maintenance tips for reliable basement pump performance to keep this valuable device working when storms hit.
Clean the Sump Pit
First on the list is to clean out the sump pit. This is the basin where the pump sits and where water collects. Over time, sediment, debris, and other gunk can accumulate at the bottom. What happens when too much builds up? It can get sucked into the pump and clog the intake screen or the impeller, which is the part that pushes water out.
You should inspect the pit every few months. If you see dirt, gravel, or other debris, clean it out. To do so, you'll need to unplug the pump and disconnect it from the discharge pipe. Then you can lift it out of the pit. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a shovel to remove all the solids from the bottom. Once it's clean, put the pump back in place, reconnect everything, and plug it back in. A clean pit allows the pump to operate without obstruction.
Inspect the Float Switch
The float switch is what tells your sump pump when to turn on and off. It’s a component which rises with the water level. When the water gets high enough, the switch activates the pump. As the water level drops, the switch deactivates it. If the float switch can't move freely, your pump won't work correctly. It might not turn on at all, which could cause a flood, or it might run continuously, which will burn out the motor.
You can check the float switch by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise with the water and you should hear the pump kick on. As the pump empties the pit, the float should lower and the pump should shut off. If this doesn't happen, the switch might be stuck or tangled. Check to see if its movement is obstructed by the pump itself, the power cord, or the walls of the pit. Adjust its position if necessary so it has plenty of room to move up and down without interference.
Test the Check Valve
The check valve prevents water in the discharge pipe from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. Without a working check valve, the water your pump just worked to remove would come right back. This would cause the pump to cycle on and off more frequently, which leads to premature wear on the motor.
The check valve is located on the discharge pipe, usually just above the sump pump. A correctly installed valve should have an arrow on it which indicates the direction of water flow—it should point away from the pump. You can listen for it after the pump completes a cycle. You should hear a clunk sound as the valve closes. If you don't hear this, or if you see water flowing back into the pit, the valve might be faulty or installed backwards. A replacement is a fairly simple and inexpensive fix.
Clear the Discharge Pipe
The discharge pipe is the exit route for all the water your pump removes. It carries water from the sump pit to a safe location away from your home's foundation. If this pipe gets clogged, the water has nowhere to go. The pump will run, but it won't be able to empty the pit. This puts a lot of strain on the motor and can cause it to overheat and fail.
Clogs can happen for a few reasons. Debris from the sump pit can get lodged inside, or leaves, dirt, or ice in the winter can block the outlet on the exterior of your home. At least twice a year, you should inspect the entire length of the discharge pipe. Confirm the outlet is clear and allows water to flow freely. If you discover a blockage, carefully use a plumber's snake or a high-pressure garden hose to dislodge the obstruction.
Listen to the Motor
The sound of your sump pump's motor can tell you a lot about its health. When it's running properly, you should hear a smooth, consistent humming sound. If you start to hear strange noises, it's a sign that something might be wrong. Grinding or rattling sounds could indicate that there's debris in the impeller. A loud, whining noise might suggest the motor bearings are worn out.
Whenever your pump runs, take a moment to listen. You'll get used to its normal operating sound. When you notice a change, you can investigate the issue and take action before it escalates. Many motor issues, if caught early, are repairable.
Consider a Backup Pump
Even with perfect upkeep, any mechanical device can fail. You may want to consider investing in a backup sump pump system, so you have something to fall back on if your primary pump ever hits the dust. A backup system typically consists of a secondary pump, which is often battery-powered, that sits in the same sump pit. If the primary pump fails due to a mechanical issue or a power outage, the backup pump will automatically take over.
This redundancy is your best defense against a basement flood. A battery backup system will keep your basement dry during a storm which knocks out your power. Some systems can even send an alert to your phone when the backup pump is activated, so you'll know there's a problem with your main pump even if you're not home. It’s an extra layer of security for your home.
Know When to Call a Professional
While many of these tasks are simple enough for a homeowner to perform, there are times when you'll need to call in a professional. If you've gone through these checks and your pump still isn't working correctly, or if you're not comfortable with electrical work or plumbing, don't hesitate to contact a professional. An expert can diagnose complex problems, perform repairs safely, and recommend the right replacement parts or system if needed.
Keep Your Basement Dry Year-Round
By following these tips for reliable basement pump performance, you can prevent untimely breakdowns that could cause a surge of water damage and expensive repairs. Regular maintenance costs far less than replacing flooded belongings or repairing structural damage from basement floods.
At Advanced Basement Solutions, we sell our state-of-the-art basement pump system, FloodBuster. This advanced system provides superior reliability and performance compared to standard sump pumps. We also sell parts to keep it running smoothly for years. If you have an older sump pump that's on its last legs, consider switching over to FloodBuster for better, more consistent performance and less need for maintenance overall.