Flooding in the basement can be the outcome of excessive water retention. The only reason that may make it an even more awful experience is having a sump pump that performs poorly in your basement. Sump pumps that function properly can get rid of water that collects at your basement. Flooding or presence of water in the basement can also be an indication of a poor performance sump pump. As such, inspecting the sump pump to figure out the cause of poor performance is an ideal way to finding the best solution. Irregular cleaning of sump pump, for instance, may take its toll on the sump pump. Here are some guidelines for cleaning the sump pump:
Eliminating residue
Residue tends to collect along the drain walls. Too much residue can block the drains and affect the rate of water flow. The best way to go about it is ensuring that there is no build-up of residue in the drains. To clear the drains, pouring white vinegar into the drains sorts out the issue, leaving the drains free from residue hence allowing smooth water passage from the basement.
Look out for debris
There is an opening that leads to the pump where water from the basement flows directly into it. Both the opening and the screen need to be free from debris. When there is debris on the opening, water is likely to collect in your basement. Keeping the debris away from the openings restores the efficiency and consistency of your sump pump alongside its durability.
Performance test
A test is one of the effective ways to monitor how the sump works in the event of water-backup. Running your sump pumps quite often can help to keep you in the loop about how your sump pumps are operating. To test your sump pump, merely fill it with water and see how it performs. Note if there are problems that may affect its performance. If you find any problem, rectify it as early as possible.
Pump float
Sometimes, the pump float may encounter problems, leading to inefficiency. Double-checking the sump pump gives you the chance to observe the behavior of the pump float and identify any cause of restrictions that may trigger poor performance.
Discharge line hole
Most sump pumps have a discharge line that has an air hole. These air holes need to free from dust or anything that blocks them. Cleaning the discharge line regularly increases the performance of the sump pump. On the flipside, if you leave them unattended there will be clogging and your sump pump will definitely develop performance issues.
Power system
More often than not, it is advisable to have a power backup plan in case the power goes out. Most people have backup pumps that use batteries. Batteries run out of power over the course of time and therefore, replacing them is an effective way to prevent water retention in your basement when power supply goes off.
Of course, the cleaning takes a bit of effort and discipline on your part. Regular cleaning is the only sure-fire way to keep your sump pump running in an optimal state. These simple cleaning tips not only keep your basement safe from water but also keep your sump pump in the best working state for longer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]