Sump pumps are essential year-round, but they really step up their game during the fall and winter in areas with cold weather and snow. So, for us Ohioans, taking care of our sump pumps is a must. Here are some tips and tricks from your Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain experts to help your sump pump thrive in the colder months ahead:
YOUR FALL CHECKLIST FOR SUMP PUMP SUCCESS:
- The Cover: To get started, pop open the sump pump pit or basin by taking off its cover. Once the lid is off, just take a quick look inside. If you spot any debris, mud, or rocks, carefully take them out. These kinds of things can clog up the sump pump and cause it to overflow.
- The Drain Hose: It’s also a good idea to give the drain hose a thorough check. So, make sure you double-check that the drain hose is securely connected and clear of any blockages or ice buildup (especially during winter). If the drain hose gets blocked or frozen, it can cause your sump pump to run non-stop, as it won’t be able to remove the accumulated water from its pit effectively.
- The Inlet Screen: Make sure you clean the inlet screen to let water flow into your sump pump’s pit. If that screen gets blocked, water won’t reach the pit, and you might end up with a flooded basement. So, keep an eye on it!
- The Float Mechanism: Make sure the float mechanism in your sump pump is working properly. It’s responsible for activating the pump to remove excess water. Check that the float can move freely without any blockages. If the float malfunctions, your pump might not work when needed or run continuously, which could damage the engine over time.
- The Discharge Pipe: Make sure the water from your sump pump flows away from your house. When you hear the pump running, check where the pipe outside is directing the water. It should be at a safe distance. If it’s too close, water might seep back, making the pump run nonstop and inefficiently. That can wear it out faster. So, keep the pipe away from your home and other structures but also within your property boundaries.
- A Test Run: To activate your pump, add a bucket of water to the sump pit. Keep a close eye on its performance to make sure it efficiently removes water. Then, take a look at the discharge pipe outside to confirm that the water is being properly disposed of. If the pump doesn’t start running, just double-check that it’s still connected to the power source and that the power cord is in good condition.
- The Unexpected: Having a backup battery or generator is super helpful, especially during heavy rainstorms that might cause a power outage. When you’ve got a backup plan in place, it gives you that extra peace of mind, knowing that everything will be sorted if the power goes out or something unexpected happens.
To make sure your sump pump works well during the coldest months, it’s important to properly winterize it in the fall. This will help keep your home safe from any water damage that might occur in the cold weather.
Having trouble with your sump pump? Don’t delay; call Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!