Sump Pump Maintenance
A sump pump is a submersible pump that is placed at the bottom of a specially constructed sump pit. Both the sump pump and the sump pit are typically found at the lowest point in your basement or crawlspace. A sump pump is designed to eliminate water build-up and safely move it to the nearest storm drain.
In the past, sump pumps were not required. However, today sump pumps are common in many new construction buildings. As Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are known for heavy rain conditions, installing a sump pump on your property is a good idea.
In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages of having a sump pump in your property, how to perform regular maintenance, and information about the repair and replacement options available.
Advantages of Having a Sump Pump
Prevents Water Damage
Sump pumps are useful for preventing problems that the gradual build-up of water can cause. But they really show their worth when dealing with a large-scale flood. When the heavy Vancouver rain triggers a flood of water into your home, you can quickly have 10 inches of water covering your floor and damaging everything in its path. It doesn’t take much water to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your property. Such as disaster can be easily averted with an active sump pump.
Reduces the Threat of Mold and Mildew
If a room in your home is in a constant state of dampness, this can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. Not only are both fungi damaging to the structural integrity of your home, but they also can contribute to respiratory problems. An active sump pump will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your home.
Reduces the Risk of Fire
This may sound like a bizarre advantage for a system that is designed to prevent the rise of water. But did you know that flooding is one of the main causes of electrical fires in homes? The rising water causes the appliances in the affected area of the home to short circuit. Beyond ruining these valuable appliances, water can also create a fire danger. An active sump pump will prevent the water from threatening the appliances.
Sump Pump Maintenance
It is important to perform sump pump maintenance regularly. This will ensure the unit is operational when the next big downpour occurs here in Vancouver.
Test Your Sump Pump
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
- The pump should turn on automatically and remove the water from the pit
- Once the water is fully removed, the sump pump should turn off by itself
Clean Your Sump Pump
- Remove any dirt, sand, gravel and other debris from in and around the unit
- Ensure that the discharge line opening is free of obstructions
Sump Pump Repair and Replacement
As with any equipment that has moving parts, sump pumps will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. There is no rule on how often a sump pump will need to be replaced; rather, it depends on how often the system is in operation.
If you test your sump pump and it is not working, contact the experts at Universal Plumbing and Heating to access the situation. We can also help with any basement leak repairs that have occurred from a broken sump pump.
Universal Plumbing and Heating offers sump pump installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
