Plumbing is the system that runs water, sewage and waste into and out of your home. It is important to keep your plumbing clean to avoid any problems.
A good way to keep your plumbing clean is by using a sump pump. A sump pump will help keep your basement dry and prevent any water damage. Visit Website to learn more.
A sump pump can keep your basement dry, but it’s crucial to install it properly. A professional plumber will start by identifying the lowest point in your home’s crawlspace or basement, where water tends to collect. They will then dig a hole large enough to accommodate the sump basin, following the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations. Then they will rest the basin on a sturdy foundation to prevent shifting or settling over time.
Next, they will install a PVC discharge pipe that extends from the sump pit to the outside. The discharge pipe should be sized appropriately for your specific pump model and routed downward away from your home’s foundation, if possible. For maximum water flow, it’s also a good idea to install a PVC pipe increaser on the end of the discharge line.
They will also connect the sump pump to a power source. Home sump pumps are powered by electricity, so it’s important to use a GFCI socket or surge protector for safety and protection against electrocution. A GFCI outlet will immediately cut the power to your sump pump in case of an over-current, preventing dangerous accidents.
Before proceeding, it’s a good idea to test the pump for proper operation by pouring water into the basin until the float switch turns on and off. If your float switch is defective, it can be replaced inexpensively by a new one from a hardware store.
When installing the piping, it’s a good idea to add a check valve to the pump outflow. The check valve will expel any remaining water in the pipe after it shuts off, preventing an endless on/off cycle that can wear out the pump motor.
In older installations, sump pumps may have been configured to discharge directly into the sanitary sewer. This is against the plumbing code and can overload the municipal sewage system, so we highly recommend that you have your sump pump rerouted to a dry well outdoors or another location far away from your home. It’s also a good idea to have a backup power source for your sump pump, such as a battery backup system.
Sump Pump Maintenance
A sump pump is a fail-safe mechanism that prevents basement flooding by draining water outside of your home. Typically, it pumps the water into a storm drain, retention pond, or well. Because it is such a crucial part of protecting your house, you should regularly perform sump pump maintenance and repair to keep it in good working condition.
A qualified plumber will start by shutting off the power to the sump pump before cleaning it. This can be done by flipping the breaker switch in the breaker box to the off position. The plumber will then remove the pump from the basin and clean out the pit, removing any debris that may be present. They will usually use a wet vacuum and scrub brush to clean the inside of the pump itself, as well as inspect the inlet screen at the base of the pump for clogs. Depending on the manufacturer of your pump, they may also lubricate the bearings if necessary.
The plumber will then inspect the discharge line to ensure that it is free of blockages and that it is directing water away from your house. The line should be directed at least 20 feet away from your foundation to help protect against future flooding. The plumber will also check the vent to ensure that it is free of obstructions and not causing any issues with air flow.
If the sump pump fails to turn on, it could be due to a power failure, a malfunctioning float switch, or an impeller that is jammed. The plumber will usually test each of these by pouring water into the basin and observing whether or not the pump turns on. If the pump cannot be activated, a plumber will usually try to manually lift the float switch and then clean out the inlet valve.
Annual maintenance includes a complete inspection of the system and all components. The plumber will clean all of the equipment and use a multimeter to confirm electrical continuity at critical points. They will then examine the float switch to make sure it moves through its full range without binding and that it turns the pump on and off at the right times.
Sump Pump Repair
Whether your sump pump sits in a pedestal or is submerged in your pit, plumbing professionals have the tools and training to make repairs. If your pump doesn’t turn on at all, the first step is to check its GFCI outlet and breaker. If the unit is plugged in and getting power, pour water into the pump to trigger its automatic float switch and ensure that it is working properly. Next, remove debris from the discharge line and clean out the sump basin.
If your sump pump is making excessive noise, this could indicate that the motor is not functioning correctly or it’s overworked. Noisy pumps tend to wear out faster than quieter models and can cause damage to your home’s foundation.
A grinding or rattling sound often points to an impeller or check valve that is clogged and needs to be cleaned out. Gurgling sounds can also point to standard check valves that need to be replaced with quieter spring-loaded models that don’t rely on gravity for operation.
Another common problem is a pump that continually runs. This usually means the pump is too small for its pit and can’t keep up with the volume of water that needs to be pumped away. Over time, this can cause overheating issues and significantly shorten your sump pump’s lifecycle.
A wet basement is one of the most serious problems homeowners face. It can be caused by a number of factors, from poor gutters that aren’t large enough to handle heavy rains to improperly graded land. Sump pumps help solve this issue by pushing water away from the foundation of your home and directing it through downspouts and into the drainage system. Keeping your sump pump in good condition can help prevent wet basements and save you the expense of repairing or replacing your damaged or faulty home exterior. A wet basement can also lead to mold and mildew and ruin furniture, flooring and personal belongings. Avoid these costly problems by hiring a licensed plumber to service your sump pump and ensure it’s in good working order.
Sump Pump Replacement
If your sump pump is more than ten years old, it’s time to replace it. A new unit will save you money on energy bills and protect your basement from water damage in the future.
A sump pump also protects the value of your home by keeping your crawl space or basement dry. If mold, wood rot, or pests take over your basement or crawl space, it can lead to structural damage that reduces the value of your home. If these problems are not addressed, they can cause serious health issues for your family.
Your sump pump moves water to a drainage site through a discharge line that runs upward from your sump pit. The line is equipped with a check valve, a fitting that prevents water from cascading back down into the pit. If your sump pump cycles on and off in sporadic bursts, it’s a sign that the check valve has failed. A professional can inspect your sump pump and replace it if needed.
Whether you’re installing a new primary sump pump or replacing your existing one, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s manual before beginning. This will give you model-specific instructions and ensure that your replacement is compatible with your system. Once you have the parts, follow the manual’s step-by-step process.
Once the pump is installed, test it by pouring water into the pump to see if it activates and shuts off. If it doesn’t, the pump may need to be replaced or the float switch might have become disconnected. A clogged discharge pipe can also cause your sump pump to fail. If this happens, it’s important to clean the discharge pipe regularly and to check that the float switch is working properly.
You may need to install a backup sump pump if your basement or crawl space floods frequently or you live in a flood-prone area. This type of pump is battery-powered and operates when the main sump pump fails. It can be used in conjunction with the main pump or run independently. These systems are relatively affordable and easy to install, but the cost can increase if you have to replace a backup sump pump often.