A sump pump is your home’s first line of defence against basement flooding and water damage. Like any essential equipment, it requires regular care to ensure it’s working efficiently and effectively. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs, reduced performance, and even total failure when you need it most.

This guide will outline why basement sump pump maintenance is important and how you can benefit from it. Why have a sump pump if you’re not going to take care of it?

 

Why is sump pump maintenance important?

As with any equipment, regular maintenance ensures that your device is working properly, safely, and efficiently. Sump pumps are installed in basements to remove excess water. So, regular sump pump maintenance is recommended to ensure several factors:

• Catch pump issues early – Removing water from your basement will always be more difficult than preventing it from getting there in the first place. Maintenance helps catch issues early so that they can be fixed before they worsen.
• Repair parts before they break – By carrying out regular maintenance, you’ll find parts that need to be replaced. Catching them before they do break prevents issues that would otherwise have arisen.
• Prevent basement flooding – Without a functioning sump pump, excess water won’t be removed, causing flooding and potential foundation damage. 
• Extends pump’s lifetime – Saves money by taking good care of the original sump pump.
• Protects your home – Prevents water from damaging the building’s foundations, walls, and insulation.

Regular maintenance ultimately occurs to make sure that the pump is doing what it’s meant to – protecting your home’s foundations.

 

Daily/weekly sump pump maintenance checklist

• Listen for any vibrations or unusual noises
• Check for leaks
• Ensure the pump is level and positioned on a sturdy platform
• Conduct a visual inspection of the connections and motor for wear or damage
• Clean away debris and dirt to prevent clogging the pump
• Monitor for signs of overheating

 

Monthly pump maintenance checklist

• Inspect for signs of corrosion or discolouration
• Check the motor current and voltage
• Replace oil (if necessary)
• Grease the motor bearings for smooth running
• Run the pump manually by pouring water into the pit to ensure it starts and stops correctly

 

Annual pump maintenance checklist

• Remove all parts to clean them thoroughly
• Test the alarm system (if the pump is equipped with one) to ensure it alerts you to potential malfunctions
• Replace the backup battery if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan

 

Benefits of pump maintenance

Prevents costly repairs

Routine sump pump maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs or replacements. Catching problems early saves replacing parts. Instead, the pump remains in good working condition for years to come.  

Extends the pump’s lifespan

A well-maintained pump is less likely to fail prematurely, giving you greater value for your investment.  

Ensures optimal performance

A properly maintained basement sump pump operates more efficiently, ensuring that water is effectively removed from your basement. This reduces the risk of flooding and water damage, especially during heavy rainfall.  

Provides peace of mind  

Knowing that your sump pump is in excellent condition allows you to rest easy, even during storms or high water levels. Regular maintenance ensures the pump will activate and perform as needed, reducing stress.   

Enhances safety  

Routine maintenance reduces the risk of electrical issues, overheating, or leaks. The system becomes safer to use.

 

How Sumps and Pumps can help

Sump pump maintenance is vital because it has so many benefits and prevents your basement from flooding when working correctly. It’s important to stay on top of your maintenance checks.

If you’d like to know more about sump pumps, you can view Sumps & Pumps’ range of easily installed basement and cellar sump pump packages here.

If you have any questions or enquiries, please get in touch for a chat with our friendly team! Sumps and Pumps have been supplying top-quality sump pump machinery for years at competitive prices – we’re here to help.