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A sump pump is a submersible device used to prevent flooding in the basement. It moves the water away from your home, saving your property from water damage. If you live in a high-risk area, you may already have a sump pump installed. Make sure it stays efficient to avoid problems.

For homeowners thinking about installing a sump pump, read this article for more information about this device. You can also contact a plumber in Arlington, TX if you have further questions.

How a Sump Pump Works

Unless there is a storm, the sump pump stays on standby. During heavy rain, the excess groundwater passes through the sump pit, filling it with water. That will activate the float switch and turn on the pump. The device prevents the groundwater from rising to the basement floor by removing the water and draining it to a nearby well or storm drain. Contact a plumber today if you’re ready to install a sump pump.

Benefits of sump pump:

• Prevents basement flooding
• Safeguards appliances stored in the basement
• Reduces mold and fungus growth
• Improves indoor air quality
• Protects your home’s foundation
• Dry basement
• Peace of mind

What Are the Different Types of Sump Pumps I Can Install?

While most homeowners usually have the submersible pumps installed, there are other types of sump pumps available:

Pedestal pumps – While they are less expensive, they may not be as reliable as the submersible device. These types of pumps are long, upright devices with the motor sitting above the sump pit.

Water-powered pump – You need steady and high-pressure water to power this device up. It’s not ideal for homes with lower water pressure.

Battery-operated backup – While they don’t replace the primary pump, they come in handy especially when there is a power failure. You will have to connect it to a large battery for it to work such as a car battery.

What unit do I need?

It’s important to select a sump pump with the appropriate horsepower to ensure your home is safer. You could end up with a flooded home when the sump pump has a lower horsepower and there is a bigger storm. We recommend calling a plumber in Arlington, TX, for assistance.

Consider purchasing a water alarm attachment so that you are alerted when the sump pump fails. This accessory can prevent further issues in the basement.

Common Sump Pump Problems and How to Remedy Them

Below are the most common issues homeowners encounter with their device:

Incorrect Size

It’s important to get the right sump pump size to ensure it stays efficient. When it’s too large, the unit will only work harder. It may not be able to pump out water efficiently. Eventually, it’s going to burn out the sump pump motor and affect its lifespan. If you’re planning to install a new sump pump, we recommend working with a licensed professional, for assistance. Our plumbers can help you determine which size is suitable for your home.

Incorrect Installation

When it comes to installing new appliances and fixtures, it’s always recommended to hire a licensed professional. Unlicensed plumbers may offer their services at a much lower price but they don’t give out guarantees. Also, they may not be fully equipped to properly install the unit.

It’s crucial to properly install your new sump pump so that it runs efficiently. For example, the unit must never be placed in dirt or it would lead to a debris buildup, causing more problems in the future. The dirt would affect the efficiency of your sump pump, and it will work harder and eventually burn out its motor.

Some homeowners prefer to install their own unit. You can do this so long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a T. Otherwise, you will only have problems with your unit. To avoid costly repairs and replacements, we suggest hiring a licensed professional instead.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth has a team of licensed and experienced plumbers that can properly install all sizes and types of sump pumps. Give us a call or email us anytime. We will get back to you at the soonest possible time to help you install your new unit.

For homeowners that prefer to install their own units, make sure that you check these:

• Check valve is correctly installed on the discharge line
• Discharge valve should be of the right diameter
• Drill a small air relief hole in the discharge line

If you have questions, feel free to contact a plumber in your area.

Dislodged Switches

The sump pump mostly relies on the switch and float arm for it to operate effectively. When the pump shifts from its position, its float will not be working. As a result, the sump pump doesn’t work.

Check for any dislodged switches to ensure the sump pump does its job. If there is a coming storm, we suggest testing the sump pump to avoid flooding in the basement.

How to test the sump pump: Pour a bucket of water into the pit, enough to activate the float switch. When it works, your unit is good to go.

We recommend having spare batteries in case the power goes out. This can happen during a storm and the only way to avoid a flooded basement is by preparing ahead of time. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact a professional in Arlington, TX, today.

Clogged Pumps

When the pumps are clogged, they will not be able to extract water from the pit. We suggest calling a plumber immediately for an inspection. Our team can thoroughly inspect the problem and give you a diagnosis and the right solutions. Don’t worry, we have dealt with this problem before. We can definitely help you remedy the situation.

Power Failure

Power outages are common during a storm and your unit will not be able to operate. Get backup batteries or generators to ensure that your sump pump will still work.

Also, it’s important to note that your unit will also be affected by power surges. It could damage its electrical components when not protected. We suggest investing in a surge protection device to protect your sump pump. Get in touch with a professional regarding this.

Blocked Drainage Parts

For the unit to properly operate, the water will be directed through the unit’s discharge lines. Your sump pump may be working but there could be issues with the pipes. To avoid blockages and clogging, the discharge lines should be checked regularly.

We suggest checking the exit points and making sure it’s protected to prevent dirt, rocks, and even animals from entering the sump pump system. Also, the pipes need to be protected especially when the temperatures are below freezing. They can freeze too, when not protected. Get pipe insulation at your local shops for this or call a professional in Arlington, TX, for assistance.

Lack of Maintenance

Like all appliances, your sump pump needs regular maintenance to stay in excellent shape. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. The costs can add up but you will have peace of mind so long as you are taking good care of your unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly care for your sump pump. If you have questions, feel free to contact the manufacturer, or speak with a plumber near you.

Defective Parts

Your unit will work more efficiently when all of its components are working. Issues can arise when some parts are defective. This is why we recommend that homeowners regularly maintain their sump pump to avoid problems down the road. For defective parts, call a plumber for repairs or replacements.

Get Your Sump Pump Serviced By a Professional

Regular sump pump maintenance ensures your unit stays efficient. However, we also recommend calling a plumber to get your unit serviced professionally. There might be issues that will need attention, and you might not be able to spot this while cleaning or inspecting your unit. But a plumber can.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth if you need service for your sump pump. During the appointment, our plumbers will thoroughly inspect all components of your unit, making sure they are still working. If there are issues, we will help you resolve these. Don’t worry, we are fully equipped. When issues come up, we will do our best to resolve them on the same day. There is no need to set up another appointment for it.

How to Maintain Your Sump Pump

You can extend your unit’s life with proper maintenance. Check out our tips below:

Clear the Sump Basin of Dirt or Debris

One thing to keep in mind when cleaning the sump pump: please make sure it’s properly turned off. It can be dangerous when the unit is still plugged in.

To get started with maintenance, remove any large debris from the basin. This is a crucial step because it’s going to help you effectively clean the sump pump. If you haven’t done this before, either call a plumber’s help or review the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to properly clean the sump pump.

Check for Damages or Corrosion

You can properly clean the sump pump by removing the pump from the base. But to do this, you will need to first disconnect the discharge pipe. Get help from a plumber if you are not confident about doing this. Otherwise, you will only damage the sump pump or the pipe.

If you are not able to remove the pump, it’s an indication that mold is building up. Use vinegar solution to help you get rid of the mold or you can also contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, for help.

When the pump is disconnected, use a sponge or cloth to remove any grime and to wipe the sump pump. You may have to use a garden hose when there is a lot of gunk to be removed. Do this outside of your home to avoid mess in your basement.

While cleaning the pump, make sure to closely inspect it for any damage or corrosion. If you notice something different or off, please don’t hesitate to contact a plumber.

To clean the pump inlet screen, use a scrub brush in removing any debris or buildup. This screen is used to keep debris from entering the pump so it doesn’t cause damage. It’s important to carefully clean this and avoid problems down the road.

Inspect the Discharge Pipe

It’s crucial to also inspect the drainage system to ensure the water is carried away from your home and not to your home’s foundation. The discharge pipe must be in place and direct the water at least 20 feet away from your home. Make sure to also check the pipes are not clogged. If there are issues, contact a plumber in Arlington, TX, immediately.

Test It After

After cleaning, reconnect the sump pump and test it to make sure it works properly. Plug it into the power source, pour water into the pit, and check if the unit starts pumping water out of your basin. If it doesn’t we recommend calling for professional help.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth Today

Do you need sump pump repairs, installation or maintenance? We are here to help! Our plumbers in Arlington, TX, are licensed and highly experienced. We can help you repair and install any type of sump pump. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth also caters to those customers needing emergency services. When your sump pump suddenly stops working and the basement floods, please call us immediately. Our team will be with you the soonest possible time to help you fix the problem.

Do not wait until it’s too late — call right away. Remember, mold can form immediately. You can avoid this by calling professionals right away. Call us today for an appointment.

Photo By Akchamczuk at istock