The sump pump is the heart and lungs of a home’s waterproofing system. When properly installed and maintained, its the most important tool you have to keep your basement dry. However, if your sump pump stops working for any reason, your home’s waterproofing system will probably fail and your basement may get wet.
Have you ever noticed that sump pump failures usually occur at the most inconvenient time? During a rainstorm, when the sump pump is supposed to be doing its most important work, that’s when we usually find out which sump pumps work and which ones fail. There are a few things you should regularly check to make sure your sump pump is ready to do its job this season.
5 Steps for DIY Sump Pump Inspections
Before you start, make sure to unplug any electrical power leading to your sump pump.
1. Check for Debris in Sump Basin
Make sure the sump pump pit is free from debris. You might be surprised at the kinds of things that can end up here as part of typical home life- children’s toys, items stored nearby that fall in, etc.
Anything that falls into the basin can get into the sump pump unit and interfere with moving parts, particularly the float mechanism. The float mechanism has a key role in sump pump operation, so be sure there is nothing interfering with it.
2. Test the Float
Fill the sump pump pit with water and make sure the float starts and stops the sump pump as designed.
3. Inspect the Check Valve
The check valves ensure that no water will go back into the sump pump pit when the sump pump shuts off. However, sometimes these are improperly installed. An arrow on the check valve points in the direction the water is supposed to flow, which should not be towards the sump pump.
4. Clean the Weep Hole
Some sump pumps have a weep hole between the sump pump and the check valve. You can clean this with a toothpick or other tiny object. Be careful not to break anything into the weep hole.
5. Clean the Impeller
The impeller is a small filter that can become clogged. If your sump pump has stopped running suddenly or is making a whining noise, this could be the problem.
The impeller should be connected to the sump pump with bolts and may need a thorough cleaning to work properly.
Two More Common Sump Pump Problems
1. Odor in the Sump Pump
The sump pump trap always retains some water. But when the water doesn’t flow into the basin during the dry seasons, an odor often forms. You can help eliminate the odor by cleaning the basin with a 5-part water/1-part bleach mixture. You could also fill the basin with water until the sump pump engages, which will cycle the water and help eliminate odor.
2. Back-Up Power Source
Having a backup power supply or generator is a great way to avoid overflow if there is a power outage. Most power outages happen during heavy thunderstorms that bring a lot of rain in a short period of time, which is exactly when you need your sump pump most. If you lose power, the backup system will take over to get rid of the water as the basin fills up.
There are also water-powered backup systems that tap into your home’s water supply to provide the energy needed to run the sump pump.
A backup power source is a great investment to make in order to avoid the costs of a flooded basement.
How To Install A Sump Pump In Your Home?
If you are having problems with water even after you’ve had waterproofing services in your basement or crawl space, it may be time to consider the idea of sump pump installations. Whether you are dealing with an improperly draining yard or you are below sea level and are experiencing constant issues with water, sump pump installations could be the answer. Find out a little bit about sump pump installations and how they can help with your waterproofing problems.
Stop the Worry
If you’re worrying every single time it rains or storms, you need to take action. Sump pump installations are a great way to make sure that you’re not worried about the basement or crawl space flooding every single time you feel a sprinkle. They give you peace of mind that you can enjoy time away from home, a vacation, or a shopping trip without having to rush back to the house and take care of a flooded basement.
Battery backup sump pumps give you more peace of mind because they will be on even if the power goes out. This can be of great importance when you are in the middle of a storm. You can worry about your own safety and the safety of your family instead of whether or not your basement or crawl space will remain dry throughout the storm and potential power outage.
Sump Pump Installations are an Investment in Your Home
When you invest in sump pump installations, you are really making an investment in your home. You no longer need to worry about your home’s worth after so much water damage. You can simply sit back and relax as you know your sump pump will take care of the rest. There will be upfront costs, but the savings to your finances due to never-ending flooding cleanup and extensive waterproofing will be made up continuously.
What Do We Recommend
At KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, we recommend our GrateSump pump liner with the FastSump Sump Pump. Our GrateSump liner has punched holes that allow groundwater to easily enter and be pumped out. It also has a built-in pump stand which keeps dirt away from the sump pump impeller.
According to our specs, the FastSump pump was built specifically for KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair. It was then tested by our service department for over 3 years before it was launched to the public. We recommend adding a battery backup to our FastSump. Heavy storms often come with power outages.
Contact KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair for a Free Estimate
If you’re looking to end the stress of constant waterproofing problems, then give KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair a call today. Not only can we help you with sump pump installations, but we will also work with you to make sure that your entire basement or crawl space is adequately waterproofed. Whether it’s due to foundation problems or a leaky window, we’ll make sure to find the cause and resolve it. Contact us for more information!
Professional Sump Pump Maintenance
We offer a comprehensive 20-point sump pump inspection as part of our Deluxe Maintenance Plan (DMP). Contact us to learn more about sump pump installation and inspection. For more valuable articles like this one to keeping your Kansas City metro area home dry, visit our Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing Your Kansas City Home.
Working hard to keep families dry and strong through Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair done right the first time in Johnson County, Missouri including Warrensburg and Odessa.
