Prepare Your Sump Pump for Summer Storms
As the summer months arrive, so do summer storms. Some storms can hit the Chicago area with heavy flooding and damage. Your Sump Pump could be why your house makes it through the stormy season without a scratch.
We know you want to keep your property safe, so we’re here to prepare you for the upcoming rainy weather. Here’s how to prepare your sump pump for summer storms:
What is a Sump Pump?
You can find your sump pump in the lowest part of a house, like a basement or a crawlspace. Its purpose is to redirect flood water seeping into your home, ensuring that nothing damages your home or your keepsakes. Most washing machines reside in basements, and the sump pump can drain any flooding.
Why is Sump Pump maintenance important?
You never know when you’ll need your sump pump, so it’s important to keep it working in the best shape even when you’re not expecting storms. Flood damage is often irreversible and expensive, so you don’t want your sump pump to fail when you need it most.
- Prevents flooding: The sump pump is your number one defense against flooding in your basement. Heavy rain often leads to flooding.
- Reduces mold growth: Excess moisture can lead to serious mold growth. Mold can be harmful to your health and your family. Plus, it can do damage to your house.
- Prevents fires: Water can often lead to short-circuiting of any electrical fixtures. Keeping water out of your basement and away from any outlets or wires will keep you safe.
- Relatively inexpensive: Sump pumps are relatively easy to maintain and last over twenty years. They require little maintenance or replacement, so keeping them in their best shape will ensure you never have to pay for expensive flooding damage.
How to Prepare your Sump Pump for Summer Storms
- Test Your Sump Pump
- Test your sump pump's performance by pouring a bucket of water into the pump area. If the pump drains slowly or does not drain, you have an issue with your sump pump, and we recommend requesting an inspection.
- The float on the sump should travel freely and rise as the sump pump comes on. The pit around the pump should never fill up. When the water is gone, the pump should turn off automatically.
- Finally, ensure that the pump is plugged into a working outlet and hasn’t lost power due to outages or a breaker trip.
- Consider a Backup Power Source
Most sump pumps feed on electricity, and many storms bring flooding and power outages simultaneously, so it’s important to ensure that your sump pump has a backup power source. We recommend a battery-powered pump.
- Flush the System
Ensure proper pump operation by flushing out the system with water from a hose or bucket of water. When the pump turns on, listen for strange sounds. If it doesn't, that could signal worn or damaged parts. Contact a local plumber immediately for service.
- Inspect the Discharge Pipe
Before major rain, ensure the discharge hose is free from debris, such as leaves, mud, rocks, or animal nests. Ensure the discharged water runs away from your house to avoid water damage.
Locate your outside pipe that catches the wastewater as it drains from the pump. Make sure the pipe doesn’t have any debris clogging the drain.
- Inspect the Check Valve
Make sure your sump pump has a relief hole in the pipe between the pump and the check valve. This prevents check valve vapor locks and greatly extends the lifespan of your pump.
Find Reliable HVAC Maintenance in Chicago, IL
Power outages can occur anytime traverse weather, so it’s important to know what to do when one strikes. Your Sump Pump runs on that electricity so that a power outage will prevent its functioning. Just in case, we recommend that homeowners invest in a Sump Pump battery backup system so you always have a second line of defense.
Contact J. Blanton today for reliable, fast, quality plumbing services in Chicago if you want to repair, replace, or reinforce your sump pump.
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