Sump pump maintenance is important any time of year. But it’s especially critical during the summer season here in northeastern Ohio, when we typically get over three inches of rain per month. Heavy summer rainstorms can trigger basement water inundation due to leakage through basement walls or by seasonal groundwater rising up beneath the basement floor.
Installed in a basin excavated into the floor, the sump pump is a silent sentinel guarding against water intrusion. When water is detected in the basin, the system automatically energizes and pumps the water out through a discharge line terminating outdoors, usually in the backyard. As the basin empties, the pump automatically shuts off.
Because a sump pump spends most of its time on standby, malfunctions may develop without giving any warning signs. Regular maintenance is the key to making sure your system is fully functional when it’s most needed.
- Basin inspection. Look for gravel or other loose debris that may have gotten into the sump basin. Visually inspect the inlet screen on the underside of the pump to make sure nothing is obstructing flow of water into the pump chamber.
- Check float switch operation. Fill a five-gallon plastic pail with water and slowly pour it into the basin. Watch the action of the float switch and make sure it activates the pump before you have poured in all five gallons. Verify that the float switch turns off the pump when the basin is empty.
- Watch for backflow. The check valve, typically located in the discharge pipe near the sump pump, is there to prevent reflux of discharged water back into the basin after the pump stops. As the basin empties and the float switch shuts off the pump, verify that water doesn’t flow backwards into the basin and cause the pump to energize again.
- Inspect the discharge point. Make sure the end of the pipe is unobstructed and discharges water far enough from the house that it doesn’t seep back into the basement.
For more tips on summer sump pump maintenance or to schedule a repair, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about sump pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area