The sump pump is an important part of a home’s plumbing, as it’s the best defense against flooding. If you have a basement or a crawlspace, a sump pump is essential to maintaining your home, and a lot of damage can occur if it fails. Here is a guide to learning about and maintaining your sump pump.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump is designed to remove water from a basement or crawlspace when it starts flooding. They can also be used to prevent dampness in cases where the water table is above the foundation of the home. The pump is typically connected to the power from the house and works by sending the water away from the house so that it is no longer problematic.
Why Do I Need a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps are helpful in guarding against expensive water damage and can prevent mold, which can devalue your home. Even if your sump pump isn’t constantly in use, it’s an essential piece of equipment that should be present in every basement and crawlspace. It only takes one rainy day to cause damage!
When Should You Get Sump Pumps Maintained?
It’s important to inspect your sump pump at least once a year. You should inspect it more if you live in a wet climate and your pump is running frequently. When examining the pump, make sure there is no debris and clear any obstructions, especially from the float switch, which turns the pump on when water rises to a certain level.
The most obvious sign that your sump pump is not working is accumulating water in your basement or crawlspace, but you can ensure that your sump pump is working by going outside and making sure that it is discharging water. This should be done every time you inspect the pump.
Common problems that occur with sump pumps include
- Failure to divert water correctly
- Power failures
- Stuck switches and blockages.
- Water pumps wear down over time, and a sump pump should last about 10 years.
If your sump pump isn’t working, the best San Rafael plumbing company to call is Gotelli Plumbing. Our plumbers can easily identify and repair the problem with your sump pump – and even install a new one, if needed.
