Sump Pump Maintenance
What is a sump pump?
Sump pumps are very important to prevent water flooding in basements of houses. A sump pump functions by draining out excess water that seeps into the sump basin of the basement. Since it runs on a motor, a case of non-functional sump pump creates a situation of sump pump maintenance. Sump pumps operate with the usual electrical supply but some have battery backup too. This will substitute the main supply when a power outage condition occurs e.g. during a severe storm. In industry, the sump pump may be used to control problems related to water table in the ground and to ensure surface soil stability.
While a battery pack keeps your sump pump functional in case of power failure, a secondary sump pump which is battery operated could also be used as a backup if the primary one breaks down or in the situation of an extreme flood where both will function parallel to each other to avoid water clogging.
Sump Pump models
Sump pumps come in two models: Pedestal and Submersible.
Sump pumps are very important to prevent water flooding in basements of houses. A sump pump functions by draining out excess water that seeps into the sump basin of the basement. Since it runs on a motor, a case of non-functional sump pump creates a situation of sump pump maintenance. Sump pumps operate with the usual electrical supply but some have battery backup too. This will substitute the main supply when a power outage condition occurs e.g. during a severe storm. In industry, the sump pump may be used to control problems related to water table in the ground and to ensure surface soil stability.
While a battery pack keeps your sump pump functional in case of power failure, a secondary sump pump which is battery operated could also be used as a backup if the primary one breaks down or in the situation of an extreme flood where both will function parallel to each other to avoid water clogging.
Sump Pump models
Sump pumps come in two models: Pedestal and Submersible.
- Pedestal Sump pump: All the groundwater that seeps into the sump is excavated by a pump. An impeller is in the pit and the pump motor is put up in the case of a pedestal sump pump. In case sump pump fails, the water level in the sump rises and flooding may happen occasionally. Cast iron pumps last longer but not a lifetime. So sump pump maintenance means replacing a pump that has become ineffective and not to wait until the system fails completely.
- Submersible Sump Pump: Submersible sump pumps are completely mounted inside the sump. They are advantageous as they prevent any electrical short circuits but have a shorter life span. Sump pump maintenance for the submersible type is expensive as they wear out easily.
- The connection of the sump pump to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) will ensure safety.
- Sump Pump must be leveled and upright. Tilting due to motor vibrations or water pressure should be checked and corrected.
- It is quite important to test a sump pump as soon as it is installed. To do this, fill the sump basin completely and ensure that the sump pump starts immediately.
- Check that the grate has not sucked any debris. If it has, removes the debris for a clean and functional pump.
- Some old house fittings allow excess water to be drained into the sewer. But new regulations do not allow this and the waste water must be propelled out away from the house into a dry pit or drain.