Mar 30 2010
Learning About Sump Pump Maintenance
Sump pumps are pieces of equipment that are very prone to breaking down because of the conditions that they are exposed to. High water pressure, random debris of different sizes and weight and silt are some of the things that they encounter while they are operating. While sump pump manufacturers make sure that it takes a lot for most pumps to stop functioning, taking care of the machine is also important to keep it working for a very long time. These pumps are what stands between your safety and the danger that flooding poses. Not taking care of it can lead to dire circumstances. Here is a quick guide in sump pump maintenance.
1. Test your sump pump’s condition first.
If in doubt of your pump’s condition, you can always perform a simple test to check its ability to perform its tasks. Switch your sump pump on and fill the sump hole with water. Check outside if it pumps water out to the drainage hole. If it doesn’t, and your pump is running, there might be clogging of some sort. If this happens, contact your manufacturer.
2. Always remember that professionals know best.
Never take your pump apart yourself to clean it! Most manufacturers advise against cleaning them yourself as you might deal damage to the pump’s mechanisms. Consult your manual for things that you can or cannot do to clean your pump. Otherwise, contact your manufacturer and qualified personnel for sump pump maintenance and intensive cleaning. You might void the warranty by doing the cleaning job yourself.
3. There are some things you can do to take out debris, or at least alleviate clogging.
If you notice that your sump pump isn’t running normally, try these simple tips to temporarily alleviate pump problems if repair man isn’t coming anytime soon:
- White vinegar will do the trick for small scale build-ups. Pour a fourth of a cup or so of white vinegar into the unit while it’s running. This will help in dissolving some silt or debris in the pump.
- Check for problems that may not be related to a dirty or a clogged pump. For example, check if the float of the pump is in place. The float may be taken out of its proper place causing the unit to not function properly. Other problems would involve the drainage hole or pipe, and not the pump itself. The hole or pipe leading to the outside might be clogged, causing the water to not flow out properly.
- Listen to your pump while it’s running. Are there unfamiliar whirring or rattling sounds coming from the pump? If there is, consult your manual or contact your manufacturer for help.
- Are the batteries of your pump still A-okay? Replace the battery every two years or so, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
One last point – be wary of purchasing certain sump pump maintenance kits. They might not be compatible with your pump.
For more information on sump pumps, please be sure to visit http://www.sumppumphelp.com