Does a Sump Pump Need Regular Maintenance?

When you reside in areas that experience heavy rain and general moisture, like snow, hail, or flooding, it can become stressful if your home is liable to fill with water within your basement or crawlspace. To avoid destructive flooding from occurring, you can install a sump pump in your home. You can often acquire these reliable fixtures from local HVAC companies that will ensure that your home is safe from moisture leaks during seasons when moisture is abundant. While regular functionality remains critical for the sump pump to operate, the sump pump also requires regular maintenance. Maintaining the unit is imperative to keep the sump pump working in order and keep its durability intact to extend its lifespan.

While proper and professional installation of a sump pump is necessary, some may also wonder if this appliance also needs regular maintenance. Find out if a sump pump requires regular maintenance and how you can carry out this maintenance work.

Does a Sump Pump Need Regular Maintenance?

Regular maintenance is important to keep the unit functionally sound and durable–maintenance that initially includes proper installation from an HVAC professional. You need regular maintenance after it is installed to check if the unit and different parts are performing their appropriate functions without signs of damage. Some manufacturers provide guidelines on the maintenance procedures, while others don’t provide guidelines for DIY maintenance, in which you can do the research on maintenance yourself. Therefore, you can achieve the basic maintenance by yourself or hire a reputable HVAC company for general and professional maintenance.

How Often Should You Maintain Your Sump Pump?

With the benefits of maintaining the unit more often, you may wonder how often you should maintain the appliance. Experts recommend inspecting and maintaining your unit once a year is appropriate. However, you can increase the frequency if the appliance runs for longer as it is often best do active maintenance on the appliance between two to four times per year if it runs frequently. You can either maintain the pump yourself or seek professional services from a reputable HVAC company.

What Maintenance Practices Should You Carry on the Sump Pump?

Having the right maintenance practices helps to enhance the appliance’s functionality and durability. Below are the key practices for maintaining your sump pump:

Unplug the appliance and clean the basin

Ensure you unplug the appliance from its outlet before starting the maintenance. You can then proceed to remove the sump basin. Remember to disconnect the appliance’s discharge pipe while removing the basin. After the disconnection, lift the pump from the basin and place it in a bucket to prevent water leakage. Use a dry or wet vacuum to remove water in the basin and scrape the sludge building at the bottom.

Inspect and clean the appliance’s pump

Start cleaning the pump by spraying it to remove sludge build-up. After cleaning the sludge from the interior, wipe the grime on the exterior before using the hose to rinse it. Experts reveal that spraying the exterior with vinegar and scraping with a putty knife will help with stubborn grime.

Clean the inlet screen

The unit’s inlet may clog with dirt if you regularly allow water to drain into it, as it acts as a filter to keep dirt, debris, and rocks from the appliance. Clogging results in overflow and flooding of the house. You can use water and a toothbrush to gently scrub the inlet’s screen to get rid of the grime and debris.

Lubricate the bearings

For optimal functionality, you must lubricate the bearings when you feel they need lubrication. Use the manufacturer’s manual to lubricate the appliance appropriately. Remember, failure to lubricate the bearings reduces the functionality and durability of the unit.

Inspect the discharge pipe

Check to ensure the discharge pipe is free from clogging and drain the water from the house. Experts recommend that the pipe should be draining approximately 20 feet from the house. Remember, most areas don’t allow the discharge pipe to drain in the swerve line, making it vital for you to seek a professional HVAC company for inspection.

Test the pump to ensure proper functionality

Place the unit back in the basin, plug the unit and test it works properly. Ensure that you place the pump in a good position, sitting upright for proper functionality. Place a few bucket basins of water to test the unit. Add more water until the level reaches the float and the unit turns on. Ensure the unit works properly, turning on and off when the water levels hit a certain level.

Bottom Line

While proper installation remains key for the functionality and durability of the pump sump, regular

maintenance is also important. It’ll be good to maintain and clean the unit regularly to enhance its working condition. You can achieve the basic maintenance by yourself or get a reputable HVAC company for professional services. Getting a reputable company guarantees you top-notch and cost-effective services to keep your unit functionality sound.