Sump pumps are invaluable during the often rainy spring as they keep your basement dry, making it a better place to store belongings. However, these appliances can be very easily damaged if they aren’t properly maintained. The repercussions of ignoring your sump pump, especially heading into the next season, could be costly if your home experiences water damage as a result.
If you haven’t inspected the device in a while, make sure that it is securely plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. When the pump is operating, it may create vibrations that will loosen the cord and unplug the male end.
The reverberations may also cause it to fall over, depending on the model that you use in your basement. Keep an eye on the weather report and make sure throughout any storm that your sump pump is standing upright – maybe even consider positioning it in a different spot so that it is less prone to toppling if this has been a problem in the past. When this appliance falls to one side, the float arm that activates the pump is likely to get jammed.
A good way to test whether or not the pump is working is by pouring a bucket of water directly into the pit. Should the device not automatically begin churning out the liquid or a puddle begins to form, you may need to call a professional to have it serviced or replaced entirely.
John C. Flood has over 100 years of experience providing expert Fairfax sump pump repair and other Virginia plumbing services to customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. If you think your home has a plumbing problem that may be beyond your field of expertise, contact a professional immediately to prevent further disasters. Call today at 703-214-5611!
