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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