If you have a sump pump, you know how important it is to your basement that it runs effectively and efficiently when you need it. Between those uses, however, you should consider sump pump maintenance to ensure that piece of equipment functions properly at critical times.

Sump pumps not only remove large amounts of water out of your basement in the emergency event of a flood, but they also rid your house of groundwater that enters your house on a regular or semi-regular basis. In either case, when water enters the sump pit, your sump pump should dependably and reliably pump the water away out of your home.

How Often to Maintain Your Sump Pump

You should check your sump pump at least once a year. While a number of factors can determine when it is the best time to check your sump pump, generally, late winter or early spring is a recommended time.

However, you’ll want to clean and maintain your sump pump more frequently if certain conditions apply. First, if your sump pump disposes washing machine water, you will need to clean the sump pump’s screen or inlet opening every month. Second, if you live in an area with a lot of groundwater, or if flooding is a concern, check your sump pump a couple times of year, you’ll want to check your sump pump more often to ensure it’s working properly.

How to Maintain your Sump Pump

In order to maintain your sump pump, you need to know where it is. First, locate the sump pump (usually it’s in the lowest point of your house). Then, follow these steps of our sump pump maintenance checklist:

  1. Visually inspect your sump pump. Your sump pump should not be tilted, so check that the sump pump is upright and that its float ball has free movement.
  2. Check that it’s in working order by pouring a substantial amount of water that will activate the sump pump. Once it’s on, observe and verify that the water has been discharged by your sump pump.
  3. Evaluate the outlet pipes. You’ll want to see that they’re tightly joined and drain at least 20 feet from your home.
  4. Check the pump’s electrical connection. Be sure the GFCI outlet is on and working.
  5. If applicable (and we recommend you have one of these), look at the power backup for the pump. Be sure your sump pump will run even during a power outage.
  6. Next, disconnect your sump pump from power so that you can clean it.
  7. Clean your sump pump: Remove the pump from the pit and clean both of these items. Clean the grate on the bottom and ensure the inlet or screen isn’t blocked. take a submersible pump out of its pit in order to clean the grate on the bottom.
  8. Last, get your sump pump inspected by a licensed professional to get a thorough look at your sump pump. A professional will check the pit, check valve, alarm, cover, and other vital parts of your sump pump and can find any issues before they become bigger problems.

Sump Pump Maintenance in Nashville

You rely on your sump pump to work whenever it’s needed, and proper maintenance will ensure you’re not caught in an emergency without a sump pump. Trust our knowledgeable Nashville emergency plumber to evaluate your sump pump to prolong its lifespan. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today and get the prompt service you need, stress-free.