Maintenance is Every Sump Pump Owner's Responsibility
A sump pump plays a pivotal role in your home's drainage system. In
fact, the effectiveness of your drainage system is wholly dependent on
the smooth operation of the pump. At times, sump pump failure does
happen, leaving your basement area vulnerable to costly damage. The best
way to avoid this potential damage is to closely follow the guidelines
laid out in the owner's manual which provides the necessary instructions
for proper pump maintenance and operation.
Regardless of what model of sump pump you have, problems associated with
pump failure are universal. For this reason, virtually every sump pump
owner's manual offers the same tips for pump failure prevention.
Although any number of problems may arise with your pump, including a
jammed or broken control switch or a burned out motor,
the first rule of prevention is
to keep your pump clean. Clogging is a major issue in sump pump
maintenance. Dirt, debris and a variety of other foreign objects can
build up causing a blockage in the inlet screen. The screen's function
is to remove small particles of waste along with the water, but it can
only handle so much. To properly
clean your sump pump, use a pair of rubber gloves to collect all debris.
Next, take a garden hose and fill the pump with water. As you fill the
pump with water, the float will rise causing the pump to activate again.
If your float rises but does not start the system, it is time to consult
the troubleshooting section in your manual.
The troubleshooting part of your owner's manual will give you
information on what to do in a situation where your pump is not
responding as it should. If you have performed the advised cleaning
process and your pump still fails to work, you need to
check the electrical system.
If your pump is plugged into an outlet much like any other appliance
outlet, unplug your pump and try
plugging in a clock or lamp that you know works. Also check that the
breaker is on. If your pump still fails to start, a manual will instruct
you to do the following: reset the switch on the motor, check to see
that the switch activated by the float is operational, verify that the
motor is not burned out from being overused while in the clogged state.
As a last resort, your manual will instruct you to check the float
switch by moving it up and down. This will have the effect of cleaning
dirty switch contacts and operation should resume immediately. Note that
the switch should be replaced frequently, and if the switch can be
removed, you may want to try and repair the damaged part yourself.
The owner's manual accompanying
your sump pump will clearly tell you that your pump will not work
effectively unless you perform proper sump pump maintenance. Your sump
pump plays an important role in your home, so take the time to read the
manual carefully and know how to keep it in good working order.
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