7 Insightful Maintenance Tips Every Sump Pump Owner Should Know

Most homeowners tend to overlook the importance of frequent maintenance of their pumps, provided they are just working. However, it would be best if you considered going through your pump’s manual once again to understand the timing schedule of your maintenance.

Some of the recommendations from the Sump and Sewage Manufacturer’s Association are to have the pumps regularly maintained these intervals:

• Monthly- Particularly clean the pump’s inlet and the screen monthly if it disposes of washing machine water.
• Quarterly- If your sump pump does not dispose of the washing machine’s water, it is advisable to have it opened and cleaned after three or four months.
• Annually- You should ensure that all the pump’s parts are thoroughly cleaned, and the pit is cleaned by removing dirt, sand, gravel, and any other debris.
  However, it is worth noting that a professional is bound to do a better job and prolong the sumps lifespan rather than when you do it yourself.

You can perform tests once in a while by pouring enough water in the sump pit that raises the float and engages the pump. The pump should automatically turn on, drain the water, and switch off in a few seconds. Take notes on whether the floats move freely, and the check valve prevents water from running back into the pit. After the pump shuts down, listen for running water and check if the check valve is stuck open. If there are any noticeable challenges, consider asking services from a professional.

Frequently monitor how the sump runs and make some quick observations. Ensure you take note of any leaks, unusual, erratic vibrations, and bad odors from your sump. These are clear indications that the pump should be serviced with immediate effect to avoid significant problems in the future. The more critical your pump is, the more you observant you should be.

Just like any other equipment in your home that has moving parts, the pump experiences wear and tear. The worn out parts need to be replaced because if it continues working with the same defective parts, it will cause severe damages, which will leave a pretty big dent on our wallet.

As stated earlier, your sump pump has several moving parts that need to be lubricated for the smooth running of your pump. However, you need to be cautious not to over-lubricate or under-lubricate the pump as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent bearing damage. If the pump has a vent cap, remove it and allow it to run for approximately thirty minutes to drain the excess grease.

You need to understand that the sump pump is an investment that costs you money, and failure to maintain it can result in more expenses. This means you have to ask questions, learn how it works, and knows when to call an expert to fix it.

Having prior knowledge of how your system works will keep you off from any emergency situations.

It is imperative to check that all terminations are tightly connected and inspect the motor vents for dust build-up that could result in sudden failures and short-circuits. Besides, if your home experiences frequent power outages, you should consider backing up the pump system and regularly check whether the battery is charged.