Sump and Sewage Pumps Manufacturers Association
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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.

Education Quick Links

Frequently Asked Questions

SSPMA's YouTube Channel

Why Homeowners Need a Backup Sump Pump System

Why Rely on an SSPMA Certified Pump?

How Homeowners Can Halt Basement Flooding

The Homeowner’s Solution For Handling Residential Sewage In Challenging Locations

PowerPoint Presentation "Sizing Guidelines for New or Replacement Sewage Pumps"

Homeowner Tips for Preventing Water Damage

Canadian Regulatory Ban on Products Containing Mercury - Nov. 7, 2014

Helpful Websites

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Environment Canada

National Flood Insurance Program

State Farm Insurance - Loss Prevention

State Farm Insurance - Sump Pump Basics

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp. - Avoiding Basement Flooding

National Environmental Health Association

Water Environment Federation

Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association

Submersible Wastewater Pump Association

National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

Water Quality Association
SSPMA
PO Box 44071, Indianapolis, IN 46244 
317-636-0278 

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