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Is Your Sump Pump Prepped for the Spring?

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Is Your Sump Pump Prepped for the Spring?

sump-pump-in-basementApril is just about here, and that means rain. Sometimes too much rain—the kind of rain that can end up flooding basements. That’s why we recommend homes have a sump pump installed by a plumber with the professional skill to do the job right. A sump pump automatically removes excess water from a basement by collecting the water in a pit (the sump) and then using the pump action to force the water out and into the drainage system. A well-working sump pump can stop tremendous water damage to your home and prevent the build-up of moisture leading to mold and mildew.

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If you already have a sump pump set-up in your home, now is the time to check it and see if it’s ready to work. A sump pump isn’t a device that undergoes a routine amount of use each year like a water heater or an air conditioner. It only works in emergency situations. Testing it is important to ensure that something hasn’t gone wrong during a long stretch of inactivity.

Don’t worry, this isn’t difficult

A routine check on the sump is simple. First, look in the sump and clean it out any debris that might have fallen into it. Small pieces of stone or other objects might get drawn into the pump and clog it or even seriously damage it, so ensure you have a clean sump to start with.

Next, plug in and turn on the pump if it’s off. Turn the pump on a let it run for about thirty seconds to see that the motor works. Don’t let it run for longer: it can harm the motor if it runs for too long without water.

Now take a bucket of water and pour it into the sump. Watch the float in the sump (if you have a pedestal pump that is placed above the pit). When the float rises, the sump should activate. If you have a submersible pump (set down in the sump itself), the motor should activate when the water rises over the intake valves. Let the pump run and watch to see the water level drop. Make sure the pump lowers the water level as expected.

That should be it! If something isn’t working right, such as the pump’s motor won’t turn on at all or it doesn’t activate when water is poured into the sump, it may require professional attention. The impeller motor probably needs to be cleaned, and this is a basic job for a licensed plumber to do. If the problem is larger, the sump pump can either be repaired or replaced. Let the professional plumber guide you toward the best option.

You can arrange for routine service for your sump pump and other parts of your plumbing system with our team. This is a great way to prepare your home for spring and to see that the sump pump is ready to work and in little danger of failing when you actually need it!

Wm. Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. serves Delaware County & The Main Line, PA.

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