You probably don’t think much about your sump pump, but there is no question that it is an important part of your home or business. Considering that a flooded basement is every property owner’s nightmare, especially in Dayton, OH when it’s already raining, a sump pump can literally be a godsend because it will move water from your basement to an exterior environment. If you already have a sump pump, this would beg the question: do you know how to keep it running in tip-top shape? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Keep the Sump Pump Clean

The first step would be to keep the sump pump clean because it will get clogged with dirt and gunk as it is continually sucking up that dirty water. At the very least, you should remove the screen and clean it off at least once a year.

Clean Off the Drainage Pipes as Well

You should also clean the drainage pipes at the same time that you clean the sump pump, primarily because they often can accumulate debris and develop clogs, potentially leading to further damage.

Test and Level the Sump Pump

Another important step to take would be in knowing that your sump pump is ready to go whenever the need arises. The only way to accomplish this would be by simply testing it. You would do this by filling the sump pit or basin with water, then just wait and see. If the sump pump is working correctly, it will turn on automatically and proceed to pump the water out. A good rule of thumb, in this case, is that it should be all automatic. Moreover, once you have removed the pump from the water, it should automatically turn off on its own.

Next comes the important job of checking to see if the sump pump needs to be leveled. When your sump pump is doing the important job of knocking out the water, it can easily become knocked out of alignment, so it is important to level it if the need arises.

Regularly Inspect the Power Source

Check your electrical cord for any signs of damage and make sure that it is connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter. This will prevent injuries if any part of the pump suffers a malfunction or if there is a fault in the electrical system. Additionally, you should go with a backup generator or a battery in the event of a huge storm. Buckeye Plumbing can help you.