As the days warm up and the threat of wintery snowfall turns to spring showers, our homes face a whole new source of stress from snowmelt, heavy precipitation, groundwater, and even flooding.

With all of these challenges on the horizon, it’s good to know that you’ve got a fighter in your corner. That’s where your sump pump comes in. Here’s what your sump pump does for your home – and how you can make sure your system is ready to take on the big spring thaw:

What Does A Sump Pump Do?

So, just how does a sump pump work? When your pump is properly in place, groundwater flows into a shallow pit, known as the sump basin, by way of an interior and exterior network of tubes, often including a “drain tile system.”

Once enough water pools in that basin, your sump pump is triggered automatically by a float switch; from there, the pump pushes water out and away from your house with a discharge pipe, which may flow into your lawn, into a well, or, most likely, directly to the municipal storm sewer.

Perform DIY Inspection and Maintenance

So how do you make sure that your sump pump remains functional and ready to take the all of the water that spring might throw at it? Get in the habit of regularly taking on these fairly straightforward DIY tasks:

Check the power source
Is the pump properly and safely connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter? Is the cord free of visible wear and tear?

Make sure the sump pump is in place
Is the pump level and upright? If not, your sump pump’s float may be out of alignment, leading to operational problems or inefficiency.

Clean the sump pump and the surrounding area
The grate at the bottom of your sump pump may be gritty with debris; make sure to regularly clean this grate and the entire base of your unit, to ensure that your system doesn’t get compromised by sediment or other gunk.

Test your sump regularly
How well does your pump run? How often does your pump run? Test these two questions – and prevent your pump from “running dry” – by occasionally filling your basin or pit with water to see if your pump starts running immediately.

Look for leaks
As your sump pump runs, keep a keen eye out for any leaks or springs from the system’s connections, valves, and drainage pipes.

Have a Professional Tune-up Your Sump Pump Once a Year

Even if you regularly inspect your sump pump, it’s still vital to have a professional service your system once every year. Before snowmelt, rainfall, and other spring hazards test your system, schedule a maintenance visit.

During this professional tune-up, your pro will perform a number of tasks that fall well outside of the purview of DIY, including dismounting and remounting the pump, flushing the pump, testing the unit’s electrical and backup systems, repairing any leaky connections or joints, and inspecting and fine-tuning your pump’s motor.  

Have any other questions about your sump pump, or any of the other vital water systems in your home? Combat Plumbing is here to help! Drop us a line, day or night, with any questions or concerns. Our team is always ready our knowledge and passion with our Red Oakland friends and neighbors.