A sump pump failure is one of the problems that homeowners dread because of its consequences – it is a disaster that leaves painful memories and costly expenses. If you have experienced a sump pump failure before, you must know how to protect your sump pump from failure. And if you have yet to experience a sump pump failure, read this write-up to learn the best protective measures to put in place to avoid a disaster and flooding in your basement and home.
How do you protect a sump pump from failure?
The following are ways to protect your sump pump from failure:
1. Proper Sump Pump Installation
The performance of your sump pump largely depends on proper installation. As a result, ensure professional sump pump installation to prevent unforeseen failure. A professional installer will follow the necessary measures to protect the sump pump from clogging and ensure that the floating switch is protected. Improper sump pump installation will unarguably result in failure.
2. Regular Sump Pump Inspection
It is crucial to inspect the sump pump regularly every three months. To avert sump pump failure, do the following:
- Remove debris from the outlet on the outside drain
- Look for signs of damage like a stuck float valve, toppled unit, and cracks in the machine
- Clean and clear the screen of debris
- Test if the float valve in the sump pump rises by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump; else, a repair is needed
3. Consider The Pump’s Age
Another way to protect the sump pump from failure is to keep in mind the machine’s age. The average useful years of a sump pump is 10 years. However, several factors will determine its longevity, such as the pedestal on which it sits, the height of the water table in your home, maintenance, and the age of the pump. When your sump pump is almost 10 years, you should plan its replacement. Keeping an overage pump in your sump pit is a recipe for disaster.
4. Get Backup
It is important to provide a backup for your sump pump. It will help to use multiple sump pumps to prevent a disaster because a sole pump may not be enough. Backup pumps are sometimes sold as a set and installed side by side. Besides, Yu should get a battery backup to the power sump pump in case of a power outage.
5. Correct Type and Capacity
Another way to protect a sump pump from failure is to get the right type of sump pump and correct capacity. Choose a sump pump that has a cast iron base instead of plastic. It should also have a flexible float valve and an alarm system that will alert of failure immediately. Also, ensure that the sump pump has the right capacity that can handle the volume of water that will collect in the sump pit. A sump pump with lower capacity will overwork and get overwhelmed when there is a water influx beyond its capacity.
