Sump Pump Maintenance
December 15, 2021
The eastern coast of New Jersey has steady precipitation and barely rises much above sea level. So, it’s critical that to perform regular sump maintenance if you have a basement.
Your sump pump removes excess water from your basement or other low-lying areas of your home. But it requires a few simple tasks to ensure that it’s there when you need it.
There When You Need It
Having a basement means extra storage and even extra living space. However, it’s not useable space if a heavy rainfall means a squelchy rug or water-soaked belongings because of flooding.
Monthly Sump Pump Maintenance
If you have your washing machine installed in the basement, and it empties into your sump pump, you’ll need to check it on a monthly basis:
Unplug your sump pump and remove the inlet screen.
Remove any lint or other debris from the screen.
Reconnect the pump
Quarterly Sump Pump Maintenance
If you don’t have your washer or other appliance emptying into your sump, you should give your sump pump a little attention every three months:
Unplug the pump and clean out the inlet screen of any dirt or debris
Make sure the plug is connected to the power and the cord is intact and well-insulate
Check the functionality by emptying a bucket of water into the sump to see if the float rises and the pump turns on.
Annual Sump Pump Maintenance
Your sump pump requires an annual checkup, like other systems in your home. If you’re not mechanically inclined, you may want to call in a professional for this all-important task. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers a checklist for your sump pump’s annual inspection:
Clean and inspect pump after removing it from the sump pit.
Ensure the float is not tangled or jammed and floats properly
Electrical outlet for your sump should be GFCI to prevent electrocution
Sump pump alarm should function
Check valve on the discharge pipe should function
Sump pit should be covered
Clean out the sump pit
Add grease or oil to the pump bearings if recommended by the manufacturer
Return the pump to the sump, connect the power, and test it with a bucket of water.
Other recommendations from InterNACHI include ensuring proper discharge:
Water should discharge at least 20 feet from the home
Ensure discharged water does not flow back from the outlet into the foundation
Do not allow discharge onto neighboring property
Do not discharge water into public sewer lines
Do not discharge water into your septic tank