Is Your Sump Pump Prepared to Handle Snow Melt?

Spring is just around the corner, bringing the promise of warmer temperatures! As temperatures rise, snow will begin melting. If you have a sump pump to protect your basement or foundation, you need to know that it is up to the task of moving water efficiently to keep it out of your home. Preparation is key! If you don’t already have a regular maintenance or check up for your sump pump in place, now is the time to start one! Ensuring that your sump pump is fully functioning now can prevent the cost and hassle of flooding and water damage inside your home.

Testing Your Sump Pump

Test your sump pump with these simple steps BEFORE the snow starts melting. The sooner, the better! Taking these steps and precautions will allow you time to contact a plumber should you require sump pump repair.

• Exterior Pipe: Find the exterior pipe that leads water away from the house. Inspect the area to be sure that there are no blockages, such as rocks, dirt, or other debris, in the pipe or around it. If water is blocked and unable to exit through this pipe, it will back up into your home. Keeping this exterior drainpipe clear is essential.
• Excess Water Test: To test the function of your pump with excess volume and demand, fill a large pot or 5-gallon bucket with water and slowly add the water to your sump pump pit. As you slowly pour the excess water, the float should rise and cause the sump pump to kick on before the water is able to reach the top of the pit. Once the float lowers, the pump should cut off.
• Float Efficiency: The float on the sump pump should raise with an increase of water and lower as the pump moves the water out and empties. If the float does not rise or turn on/ off automatically, the sump pump is not working properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

Testing the function of your sump pump can be tested using the checklist above. These additional things should be checked weekly:

• Pump Should be Plugged In: This easy fix could save lots of headaches! Be sure that your sump pump is plugged in and that the breaker has not been tripped.
• Problem Areas Around Your Home: Inspect your yard for quick melting spaces, gutters draining to close to the foundation, puddles in driveways and walkways, and standing water in your basement.

These issues should be quickly remedied to prevent flooding.

Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating

If you are uncertain about the condition of your sump pump, contact Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating to diagnose, repair, or replace a broken sump pump. Our experts are qualified and eager to help you if your sump pump is not working properly. Solving sump pump problems when you detect signs that it is not working, and installation are part of our services. Call us at 780-203-2230 today!