You’ll need a sump pump if you’re a homeowner with a basement or crawl space. The last thing you want is to wake up to find your home flooded following a rainy night. We highlight five facts about sump pumps every homeowner should know about this invaluable piece of equipment.

Two Primary Types of Sump Pumps

 Submersible and pedestal are the two primary types of sump pumps available. Both types perform the same function, that is, to take out water in your basement or crawl space. They vary in terms of installation. The submersible type is placed within a pit. It’s less noisy and the ideal choice for a finished based. In contrast, the pedestal type features an exposed motor. Then again, the upside of this type is accessibility in case of repairs.

Possible Problems You Could Encounter

 As a homeowner, you’re likely aware of how things inside your home tend to breakdown when you least expect it. This is also true for sump pumps. Thus, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the types of problems you could likely encounter if you have one in your installed inside your basement or crawl space.

Every few months check your equipment for signs of electrical problems. Inspect for frayed wires. In addition, find out if the outlet it’s plugged into is still working. Mechanical issues could also crop up. If it’s not running, check if the float is stuck. If the problem is a tilted pump, then try to readjust it.

Investing in a Battery Backup is Wise

 It’s a wise investment to get a battery backup for your pump. Chances are a strong storm could also result in a power outage. If this happens, then your equipment won’t work without power. Alternatively, you could opt for a water backup pump. While it might not work as fast as a battery powered backup, at least you’re assured it would work longer since it won’t lose energy.

Required Frequency of Routine Checkups

It’s advisable to test your pump regularly. Likewise, check your backup battery to make sure it’s fully charged. Preferably, do this every three months. To do this, fill the pit with water up to where the float is. The pump should get going then. Watch the water and the pump to make sure everything is working, as it should be. When the water is below the shut off level, then the pump should automatically shut down.

If nothing happens, then inspect for possible electrical problems or mechanical issues. If remedial measures don’t work, then you’ll want to consider calling a professional plumber to check it out.

DIY Maintenance Vs Hiring a Professional Plumber

 This is the typical dilemma faced by most homeowners. In this aspect, it’s best to consider your own skills as well as the costs of doing it yourself. Not every DIYer can claim to be a plumber too. Moreover, trying to fix it yourself could end up costing you more in the end. While it’s commendable to try to maintain and fix everything in your home by yourself, sometimes it’s best to hire a professional for a sump pump.