Sump Pumps: Why Homeowners Should Periodically Check Their Drainage System
Sump Pumps Need to be Checked & Maintained
A sump pump plays a pivotal role in every home's drainage system. In fact, the effectiveness of drainage systems is dependent on the smooth operation of the pump. A quality pump is truly the heart of any water management system. It has been estimated that 90 to 95 percent of all basements will experience a problem with water penetration that something as simple as a sump pump, grading, and gutters could have prevented. For every inch of rain, the average roof sheds 1000 gallons of water.
Homes that have a center drain in their basement floor can have a plug or check valve installed in the drain. Installing a check valve allows water from the basement to go out to the storm drain. However, it will not allow water to enter the basement when the storm drains become overwhelmed with snowmelt or rainwater. Homeowners who have a plug installed on the basement floor should have a sump basin, pump, and a discharge line installed to remove any water that collects in their drain tile. Having a sump basin and pump will remove the drain tile water without the worry of overwhelmed storm drain water entering the basement.
Homeowners should regularly check the sump pump to assure that it is working correctly.
Add water to the sump basin and observe the operation of the sump pump. Listen for the check valve to go on and off without any hesitation or resistance and runs the sump properly. Operate the pump several times to make sure the sump pump also stops pumping whenever the water level is pumped down. The sump basin should always have a lid to help eliminate moisture from the sump basin entering the basement. Never have your dehumidifier placed next to the sump basin; this causes the dehumidifier to run and run without removing proper moisture. Investing in a basement water alarm for your home can alleviate many concerns. Place the alarm next to the sump basin.
- Water test your pump
- Listen to the pump
- Operate the pump several times
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