At Fix the Drip! Plumbing Company, LLC, we know you care about your home, and we want to help you keep it in the best possible condition. One of the ways we do this is by offering sump pump maintenance services. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of what your sump pump does and what you need to do in order to keep it in good working order.
What Does a Sump Pump Do?
Before we explain what sump pump maintenance involves, we will explain what this device is and what it does. To put it simply, the purpose of your sump pump is to prevent your basement or crawlspace from flooding.
This small device is installed at the lowest point of your basement or crawlspace in a small pit (known as the sump pit), and when it rains, that pit becomes flooded with water, which activates the pump’s float switch and turns it on. Once on, the pump removes water from the pit and channels it towards the nearest storm drain or detention pond.
What Does Sump Pump Maintenance Involve?
For the most part, sump pump maintenance is fairly straightforward and involves performing a few simple checks. Every three months, you should unplug the pump and empty the basin to get rid of any standing water and then remove any debris and make sure the inlet screen is clear.
After that, plug the pump back in and pour five gallons of water into the pit to make sure the float switch activates like it is supposed to. In addition, you should have your sump pump professionally serviced once a year to ensure everything stays in good condition.