What’s Included in a Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist?

Catching problems early before they turn into something worse is extremely important to do as a homeowner. Water damage is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a home. With the chances of your family’s possessions being destroyed, a giant bill, and an extensive clean-up process, it is no surprise why homeowners take their sump pump maintenance seriously.

It is important to be well informed on your sump pump and stay up to date with its maintenance. Following a structured sump pump maintenance checklist is one of the best ways to keep it in ideal shape and your basement dry!

Sump Pump Yearly Checklist

Sump pumps are something that can be easily overlooked by homeowners, as they are small and often out of sight. However, with the potential for extensive damage if not properly maintained, providing your sump pump with year-round maintenance should be at the top of your to-do list.

Here are some basic tips to follow to keep your sump pump running smoothly!

• Make sure the pump is connected. While it may seem redundant, the first step in checking your sump pumps is to make sure it is connected to the power source.
• Test your pump. Now it is time to see if your sump pump is doing the job that it is supposed to be doing. An easy way to do this is by pouring a bucket of water directly into the drainage hole.
• The pump should start almost instantly and begin pumping away the water. If it does not, then you may have a problem developing.
• Power off the pump and disconnect it. After you have carefully cut off the power supply to the sump pump and removed it from the hole, you can begin the process of cleaning. Begin with the sump pump pit itself. Cleaning the physical pump is not very demanding and can usually be done with a hose, bucket, and wire brush. Keep in mind that each model of sump pump is different and might come with unique cleaning instructions.
• Check the discharge line of your pump. Small bits of rock and dirt can often get stuck in the pump or grate. This can restrict the flow of excess water and cause your sump pump to not operate at its full capacity.

After you complete those steps, you should have an idea of how well your sump pump is working! It is also helpful to test your sump pump regularly. Being proactive about its maintenance could be the difference between a flooded and dry basement.

Do I Need Professional Service?

While regular sump pump maintenance and simple cleaning procedures are very important, it is still important to have maintenance performed by an experienced professional. Trust the dedicated team at Edelman Inc. to check out your pump if you are new to a home or are experiencing more serious issues. If you moved into an older home or are having more serious issues, your sump pump may need a full replacement. The typical life expectancy of a sump pump is about 7 years, so if yours is older than that, a full replacement could be for you.

If you are in need of a full replacement or major repairs, then working with a high-quality company is important to ensure the safety of your home and the longevity of your sump pump. Between a professional level installation and repairs, alongside diligent maintenance, you can expect your sump pump to be operating smoothly for years to come.

Get in Contact with Edelman Inc.

If you want to ensure your sump pump is operating at full capacity and will for years to come, do it with the best. Our team is dedicated, experienced, and ready to help your home be the best it can be. Give us a call to schedule at 217-290-9095 or contact us here!