Sump Pump Maintenance for the Spring Season

Sump pump trouble is often caused by mistakes committed during installation. Now that the spring season is here, you have to make sure your sump pump is functioning properly so that the buckets of rain that will come pouring down do not end up flooding your home and living area.

The three major problems associated with sump pump failure are:

• Sump pit debris: a buildup of mud, sand, or debris at the bottom of your sump pump can jam the pump and burn out its motor. The pit can be kept free of debris by scooping out the sediment at the bottom of the sump pit.
• Clogged discharge pipe: when water backs up from the discharge pipe, this can cause the sump pump to burn out. Although this is more likely to happen in the winter when pipes freeze and thaw, causing a backflow back into the pump.
• Old age leading to a malfunctioning pump: like all equipment, sump pumps eventually need to be replaced with newer and more efficient models. If the sump pump is hard at work all season, it may burn out and require replacement.

A simple test to determine whether your sump pump is functioning properly is to pour about a gallon of water into it. If the water drains promptly, all is well. However, if the water drains slowly or gushes back up to the surface, you either have an obstruction in your pump or the pump itself has malfunctioned and requires repair or replacement.

The spring thaw makes your sump pump worth checking. Contact Priority Plumbing & Drains to schedule your sump pump maintenance or installation appointment today. (289) 206-1962">(289) 206-1962