Checklist to Make Sure Your Sump Pump is in Good Condition

April 28th, 2020

Water damage is one of the worst problems you can have as a homeowner in Toronto, Mississauga, or any other city. More than the irreplaceable possessions and home foundation that can get destroyed by water damage, clean up can be difficult and extremely expensive, only to be left with a musty smell that can linger and remind you of the ordeal for weeks. In the fight against water damage in the home, your sump pump is often an unsung hero that’s helping you keep disaster at bay. Proper sump pump repair and maintenance must be observed so you can defend your home against flooding and the water damage that comes with it.

Your home’s sump pump typically sits in a pit right at the lowest point of your basement flooring. Its job is quite simply to catch ground water seeping in through your home’s foundation drainage and pump it as far away from your home as possible through a storm drain or perhaps a nearby area that drains water away naturally. You need a working sump pump to effectively pump away and evacuate great volumes of water, especially during rainy seasons and in case of flooding events.

Calling in a plumber for regular sump pump repair and maintenance is ideal, but there are certain things that you can do yourself to help keep sump pump problems at bay. Here is a step by step sump pump maintenance list to help you maintain a working sump pump:

1. Free the sump pump basin of debris. Always check to make sure that your sump pump pit is free from any kind of debris. Your basin can get clogged with all kinds of items like small toys, dirt, and other debris.
2. Inspect the pump’s check valve to make sure that it is installed correctly and prevent accidental backflow.
3. Clean the pump’s weep hole with a toothpick or something small to fit in the tiny holes.
4. Clean the filter or impeller to avoid clogging your sump pump.
5. Always check for “sump pump odor.” This is a clear indication that your basin isn’t flowing correctly.
6. Consider installing a backup power source. This will help you prevent flooding and damage in case main power becomes unavailable due to outage and emergencies.

It is best to keep a regular maintenance schedule for sump pump repair to make sure that your home’s pump is always in good working condition and will serve you well during unexpected flooding. Every 3-4 months is a great rule of thumb when it comes to sump pump maintenance.