Spring Clean Your Sump Pump

No homeowner wants to be faced with the devastation of a flooded basement; or worse–  a flooded living area due to an inoperable sump pump.  Your home and valuables may be protected under your homeowner’s insurance policy but the hassle, headaches and experience of loss are beyond measure.

Luckily, you can protect your investment by properly maintaining your home’s sump pump.  With a few simple steps you can even lengthen the life of your sump pump by doing some very easy maintenance.

To begin you will only need two basic household items: a flashlight and a wet/dry vacuum. First, remove the lid to your sump pump and then inspect it with your flashlight.  If there is debris in the bottom of the pit then vacuum it out with the vacuum. Check to make sure the float moves up and down freely.  This should make the pump turn on as you raise the float. If the pump does not turn on then it is possible that the pump needs to be replaced.

This maintenance should be done at least twice a year so you know your pit is clean and will have an early indicator if the pump may malfunction. It is much cheaper to replace a pump than to replace your personal items that can be damaged in a flood.

When in doubt, call a certified plumbing contractor to evaluate the problem before it’s too late.  Guardian Plumbing serves: Anne Arundel County, DC Metro, Baltimore, Eastern Shore, Northern VA.  We offer residential and business plumbing services as well as 24-hour rapid response for all types of plumbing repairs.

Contact Guardian Plumbing for a no obligation estimate for your sump pump maintenance or repair…301.685.5017.