If you have a basement under your home, you are sure to understand the value of a sump pump. This small and very affordable device is all that stands between your home and a costly flood. As insurance policies go, your sump pump is one of the most affordable and reliable, as long as you provide the minimal care and service that it requires.
Understanding How A Sump Pump Works To Protect Your Home
You will find the maintenance and care of your home’s sump pump much less confusing if you understand how this little wonder works. The pump sits in a hole in the basement floor called a sump pit. The pit is located at the lowest point in the basement to ensure that any groundwater entering the basement flows into the sump pit. Then the sump pump takes over.
Most pumps have a float valve that activates the pump when water is present. The water lifts the float, which in turn triggers the pump. The water in the sump pit is drawn into the intake on the pump and pushed through a pipe that runs up the wall and to a location outside your home. Each time more water collects in the sump pit, the pump is activated to remove the water.
Key Components
Your home’s sump pump is powered by electricity. It is essential that you test the outlet regularly to ensure that your sump pump will have power when there is water present in the sump pit. You can test the outlet by plugging something like a hairdryer or lamp. The other essential component is the discharge pipe that carries the water to an area outside and away from your home. The best way to test the integrity of the line is by testing the entire sump pump.
A Simple Test Process
To test your sump pump and the discharge pipe, you will need to simulate water flowing into your home. The best way to do this safely is with a large bucket of water. Dump a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. As the water rises, it should activate the pump. In turn, the pump will begin to move the water up through the pipe and safely away from your home. Watch to make sure that the pump removes all or most of the water and turns off when the pit is empty.
Simple Cleaning
If your home has not been subjected to any groundwater in a few months, it is not unusual for the sump pit to gather some dust, dirt, or small debris. These items can easily clog the intake on the sump pump when water begins to flow into the sump pit. Invest a few minutes every month or two to remove the sump pump from the pit and clean out any debris. Also, inspect the pump intake to ensure that it is not covered or clogged with dust and dirt.
Your Sump Pump Failed The Test
If you take the time to test your sump pump, you also need to take the next step as soon as you discover a problem. If the pump did not remove all the water, some water leaked from the discharge pipe, or the pump did not turn on, call (720) 650-2455 immediately. You never know when a storm will hit, and you will need your sump pump to perform flawlessly. The licensed plumbers from Flatirons Plumbing will arrive quickly to get your sump pump repaired and back to protecting your home from potential water damage.
