How Homeowners Can Halt Basement Flooding

Frequently, homeowners don’t think about their sump pump until it’s no longer working and there’s water damage. Properly educated, there are steps they can take that will help avoid costly mishaps.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Every three or four months: Clean the pump screen or inlet opening. If your sump collects the discharge from an automatic washing machine, cleaning will be required more often. Before removing the pump, be sure to disconnect the unit from electrical power and reconnect after completing cleaning. Then, pour enough water into the sump to cycle the pump and assure its proper functioning.

Annually: Remove and clean the pump. Clean the sump pit also. Unless your pump instruction manual specifies otherwise, no lubrication or other maintenance will be necessary.

Water Alarm

Install a water alarm that detects water leaks before they cause costly property damage and/or mold growth. Simple leaks from water heaters, sink drains, broken washing machine hoses (the #1 cause of water damage in homes) or clogged air conditioner drain tubes are immediately detected. Place an alarm wherever there is risk of water damage — utility room, laundry room, kitchen, bathroom or basement, or crawlspace.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

A battery-backup sump pump can help keep their basement from flooding. In the event of a power outage or mechanical failure of the AC pump, the battery-backup sump pump will begin pumping automatically.

Water Powered or Water Driven Sump Pumps

These pumps are sometimes used in place of motor-driven sump pumps. It is important that if water powered pumps are installed that they include backflow protection devices.