Is your sump pump ready for summertime and the storms we are all prone to here in Ohio?
If you aren’t sure, we at Five Star Home Services encourage you not to find out the hard way!
With the arrival of summer, we all experience the occasional heavy storm.
Because of the weather, this is the time of year when sump pumps are most active, transferring water from basement-level areas to the ground level. Without properly functioning sump pumps, homeowners are apt to find their basements flooded with rainwater, which can be a real mess, depending on the situation.
The good news is that most sump pump failures can be prevented by taking a few precautions before the season arrives. In the following, your friendly local sump pump plumbers at Five Star Home Services explain how to prepare your sump pump for summer storms.
Inspect Your Power Outlet
Sump pumps need electricity. So, it goes without saying that the outlet your sump pump is plugged into must be working. We recommend turning on the pump and ensuring you hear it functioning before the first big summer storm arrives. If you lose power during a storm for an extended period, draw some power from a generator for the sump pump or replace your sump pump with a model that has a battery backup. This simple step can save you from a serious nightmare and mess!
Clean Your Sump Pump
Turn your sump pump off and disconnect it from the outlet. After you’ve done this, remove the sump pump from the basin and scrub off any dirt, sediment, and debris that could clog the unit’s components. We recommend using a stiff-bristled brush. You can also schedule a sump pump maintenance appointment with a certified local Five Star Home Services plumber to clean your pump. We offer affordable sump pump services throughout Greater Columbus, Greater Dayton, and Greater Cincinnati. Check out our article on How to Clean Your Sump Pump.
Check the Age of the Pump and Inspect for Corrosion
A sump pump in need of maintenance is a mess waiting to happen! On average, sump pumps last about ten years. Because of this, we encourage you to take a moment to look at the age of your sump pump and review its recent history of sump pump repairs. What condition is it in? This might be time for a sump pump replacement depending on what you gather here. We also recommend checking for signs of corrosion. If left unchecked, sump pump corrosion can rapidly decrease your sump pump’s effectiveness and service life.
Test the Float Switch
The best way to test your float switch is to pour water into the basin to ensure it activates when the water reaches a certain level. The float switch is the only mechanism that triggers the sump pump, so if it malfunctions and it doesn’t kick on during a storm, your basement can flood, and the outcome can be very costly. Don’t find out the hard way!
Inspect Your Sump Pump After Each Storm
We also recommend checking your sump pump after each storm to ensure that it’s functioning properly and to avoid future flooding. This simple step can help prevent uncomfortable humidity and severe water damage in your basement.
Need Help? Call Five Star Home Services for Expert Sump Pump Maintenance!
For fast and affordable sump pump repair and installation services, you can depend on throughout Greater Columbus, Greater Dayton, and Greater Cincinnati, call your friends at Five Star Home Services today! Our local plumbers and sump pump technicians have extensive experience ensuring that your sump pump will run efficiently, especially during the summer storm season. We are a one-stop shop for all your plumbing-related needs, and we offer upfront pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
Schedule your sump pump services today online or call us at (833) 405-8009.
