Sump Pump
Advanced Sump Pump Maintenance
Sump Pump Maintenance Tasks
The main benefit of having a sump pump in your home is that it alleviates
the worry of accidental water damage. As long as a sump pump is in good
working order, you should feel well protected. That being said, there
are several sump pump maintenance tasks that should be performed to ensure
that the pump is able to effectively do its job.
After Heavy Rainfall
A build up of debris in your sump pump is one
of the major causes of sump pump failure. It
is important that you check your inlet suction
screen to make sure that there is no blockage.
This sump pump maintenance routine should be
performed every few months and especially after
heavy or persistent rainfall.
Check the Motor
Once annually, it is necessary to check on the effective operation of
the sump pump’s motor by pouring water into the drain area of the
pump. If the pump is working well, the motor will turn on just as the
float rises with the water level. You should repeat this procedure for
a few cycles. Keep track of when you last performed this task as it is
a very important part of your sump pump maintenance program.
Check Float
Ensure that the float of your sump pump is able to freely move. If the
float is obstructed, your pump may fail to start. This task does not have
to be performed regularly, but you should get in the habit of doing it
every few months.
Verify Oil Seal
If you spot an oily film on the surface of the water in your sump pump,
verify the condition of the oil seal. The appearance of oil probably indicates
a faulty oil seal which may cause the motor to burn out.
Visual Check
In general, a sump pump does not require extensive maintenance. Most homeowners
find it beneficial to do a visual check on the pump every few months.
Once annually, it is important that a more thorough sump pump maintenance
routine be performed. On the rare occasion of persistent rainfall, your
sump pump should be monitored more often to ensure its smooth operation.
