SUMP PUMPS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Travis Smith is a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and holds the highest amount of licenses in our plumbing department . He has been in the plumbing field for over 10 years and has committed to ongoing training . He has been with Mister Quik for 4 years and is now in the position of a Field Advisor .
Chances are , if there isn ’ t a sump pump in your home already , you probably don ’ t need one . And most basements that are prone to flooding should already have one in place . If you ’ re not familiar with these devices , here is an overview you might find helpful .
WHAT IT IS AND WHO NEEDS ONE
A sump pump is a device that reroutes water that approaches your foundation to an outdoor discharge pipe . Sump pumps vary by size , capacity , and average lifetime . A good plumber can recommend several options , but not all plumbing companies handle sump pumps , so be sure to ask questions before scheduling an initial appointment .
The need for a sump pump depends primarily on the water table — the upper level of saturated ground beneath your property — where you live . Sometimes , the water table can vary widely even among houses on a single block . Homeowners located in these floodprone areas are best off investing in a pump to avoid problems down the line .
Not all flooding is due to rainstorms . If you find water in your basement , it ’ s a good idea to inspect the foundation for cracks that may be letting water in . Other causes of basement flooding include burst pipes , water runoff , river or lake overflows , and outdoor sewer drainage problems . If you are worried about these issues or travel frequently , a sump pump may be a good idea .
SUMP PUMP MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance for your sump pump is highly recommended because , like any motorized machine , its parts eventually wear out and need replacement . Some maintenance items you can do yourself , such as clearing debris from the sump pit and pouring water into the pit as an operational test . It ’ s best to call on an experienced plumber to evaluate your system annually — perhaps more often if you are located in a flood-prone area or if you detect a problem with the system . While flood-prone areas need extra caution , pumps that do not run on a consistent basis need special care to avoid a consistently dry pit . Also , be sure you have a working backup battery on hand for extra protection .
The most common malfunction is a simple one : the discharge pipe could be blocked by snow or other debris . It ’ s absolutely essential to know where the discharge pipe leads — normally exiting the home and extending away from the foundation — so you can clear it if it becomes blocked . Other problems include dirt and debris interfering with the motor and simple wear and tear of parts needing replacement .
Don ’ t be afraid to test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit . Once the pit is filled , the sump pump float should rise and activate the pump . The pump will discharge the water and should shut off immediately once the water is expelled . Red flags include grinding noises , a pump that does not shut off once the water has been discharged , a pump that is rusted or corroded , or a pump that does not activate as the float rises .
TIME TO REPLACE
The expected lifetime of a sump pump is approximately five to seven years , although if it is heavily used , it may need replacement sooner . Your Mister Quik professional can discuss replacement options with you and provide cost estimates . Be sure your sump pump comes with a warranty , and consider a model that includes battery backup and alarm functions for maximum insurance . Call us to learn more at ( 317 ) 762-6489 or visit our website at www . mrquikhomeservices . com .
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