Keep Your Sump Pump Maintained to Protect Your Basement from Water Damage

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Though common in other parts of the country, Arizona doesn’t have many homes with basements. However, there are homes that offer this feature but because it’s not common, many homeowners are unfamiliar with sump pumps, how they work, and how to maintain them. It’s important to keep your sump pump maintained to protect your basement from water damage. Here are a few tips on what to look for and what to do.

Power Failure

Your primary sump pump is no different than any other appliance in your home; without power, it is completely worthless.  As a safeguard, invest in a high-quality battery back-up sump pump to protect your basement should there be a power failure.   A battery kept continually charged by the backup system operates a separate pump linked to the discharge pipe, providing you hours of protection until power is restored. Some backup pumps even monitor the condition of the battery and alert you when it needs to be replaced.

Discharge Pipe Issues

If the discharge pipe is not installed or pitched properly, water will collect and eventually cause a blockage. Arizona has very hard water and it can cause sump pumps to freeze up if the flow is impeded in any way. Be sure to check and make sure your sump pump and discharge pipe were correctly installed. If you’re unsure, call a professional to check it for you.

Stuck Pump Float Switch

There are several different types of sump float switches.  Vertical and tethered floats are the most common. It’s important to know which one you have, as vertical floats seem to work the best as tethered floats are known for getting stuck on the sidewalls of the sump pit, causing a flooded basement. Take the time to find out what float switch you have to protect your basement from future water damage from a flood.

Under-Powered Sump Pump

There are a variety of sump pumps available, each appropriate for different applications.  Make sure your sump pump has the correct horsepower pump, capable of keeping up with your flow of water. If you’re unsure if the existing pump you have is adequate, call in a professional to check for you.  

Outdated Sump Pump

It is generally recommended that sump pumps should be replaced every five to seven years in order to be effective. If you purchase a home with an existing sump pump, be sure to find out how old the sump pump itself is, and keep the five-year mark in mind to protect your basement from flooding should the sump pump fail.

In general, sump pumps are very effective at keeping basements from flooding, but should you experience a flood in your basement, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at 602-386-4268. We’re available 24/7 to help with your water remediation needs.