Five Things to Look For During a Sump Pump Inspection to Avoid Water Damage
The first line of defense against flooding and water damage in a basement is a sump pump. If the sump pump fails, then it can make the problem worse by actually causing water to pool in the basement. It’s important to know what to look for during a sump pump inspection to avoid water damage.
1. Overwhelmed Sump Pump
A single sump pump might not be enough to handle the volume of water pouring into a basement. The quality of the unit also matters. A cheap unit will likely fail when it is needed the most. Your plumber will likely suggest a high-capacity sump pump that is capable of handling a large volume of water so that you’ll be able to avoid water damage in the event of a water leak, heavy storm, or flood.
2. Improper Installation
During a sump pump inspection, your plumber will check to see if there’s water in the sump pit. If there is no water in the sump pit, then there’s a good chance your sump pump was improperly installed or the pump is not linked to a drainage system. Your plumber will ensure you have a drainage system that’s designed to collect water and direct it to the sump pump where it will be discharged into the drainage pit.
3. Clogged Sump Pump
If the sump doesn’t have a lid, which is quite common, then it will get clogged eventually and will slow down or stop working. A sump pump inspection will determine if it’s time to repair or replace. Your plumber will suggest covering the sump to avoid clogs.
4. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Lines
Your sump pump system can fail if the water in the lines freezes or the discharge lines become clogged. The lines should be able to transport water from the basement and discharge it far away from the foundation even during the winter months. Your plumber will ensure your lines can’t freeze up and that they are clear.
5. Continuously Running Sump Pump
If your sump pump runs continuously regardless of the weather conditions or season, it is a sign something is wrong and needs to be addressed right away before the unit burns out. An experienced plumber can determine why your sump pump won’t stop running and make recommendations as to what you should do.
If you need a Granite City, IL plumber, look no further than Bailey’s Sewer and Water. We can take care of all your sump pump and other plumbing issues.
