Ensure Sump Pumps Are Ready and Working for the Rainy Season

Keep Sump Pumps Operational to Protect Homes From Flooding and Water Damage

North Dakota homeowners should ensure their sump pumps are functioning correctly to prepare for spring rains and snowmelt, as well as the wettest month of June and any other situations that can cause flooding and water damage. A sump pump is a water management system that serves as protection against home and basement flooding, and the issues it can cause, like expensive water damage and mold growth. However, they need to be working correctly to be able to prevent flooding and protect the house. This blog post will discuss how sump pumps work and ways to keep them operational. 

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

Sump pumps defend the home against flooding during spring thaws, storms, heavy rainfall, and other situations where flooding can occur. They automatically activate when water levels rise in the sump pump basin or pit, which is installed at the lowest point of the home or basement. When water reaches a certain level in the pit, a float switch or pressure sensor triggers the pump, which then channels water out of the basin and away from the home and its foundation through a discharge pipe to avoid flooding and water damage.

Most residential properties have one of the two types of primary sump pumps. A submersible sump pump operates while completely underwater in the sump pit, making it quieter and more powerful than pedestal models but more expensive. A pedestal sump pump, with its motor positioned above the pit, offers easier access for maintenance and repairs and costs less, but is louder and less powerful.

How to Make Sure a Sump Pump Is Working Correctly 

Regular sump pump testing and maintenance are important to ensure it works and is ready to protect the home from flooding if needed. In order to test the sump pump, start by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit, enough to raise the float and activate the pump automatically. Then it should remove the water through the discharge pipe and automatically turn off when finished. If it doesn’t turn on, remove water effectively, or homeowners notice any other issues during the test, professionals should be called for sump pump repair. This simple test can reveal potential problems before the sump pump is needed, preventing expensive flooding disasters.

In addition to routine tests, professional sump pump maintenance is recommended annually. This allows a plumber to inspect and thoroughly evaluate the sump pump's condition, including components like the motor, float switch, and discharge pipe. They can catch and address any potential problems before flooding occurs. With proper maintenance, the sump pump will be more reliable when it’s needed most.

The Importance of a Sump Pump Backup

While testing and maintaining a sump pump is important to make sure it’s operational, installing a sump pump backup system is crucial for complete flood protection. In the event the primary sump pump malfunctions and fails to function when needed, or is overwhelmed by the amount of water, the backup sump pump can take over and prevent flooding and its costly consequences. 

Besides excessive water volume or sump pump failure, a backup sump pump is important for power outages, which often coincide with storms that can cause flooding, rendering electric-powered sump pumps useless precisely when they are needed. When the primary sump pump loses power, the backup sump pump can take over to protect the home. A battery-operated backup sump pump and a water-powered backup sump pump are two popular sump pump backup options that do not rely on electricity to operate, helping to prevent flooding and helping homeowners avoid thousands of dollars in water damage repairs if the primary sump pump fails to function.

About Laney’s Inc.

Laney’s Inc. has more than 60 years of experience serving the Fargo community. They provide competitive pricing, honest advice, and old-fashioned customer service. Call them for sump pump installation and repair services in Fargo, ND. 

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