How to Prepare Your Sump Pump for Spring

Come spring, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief after hunkering down through the harsh cold winter. Although rising temps and blooming flowers are certainly causes for celebration, there are some challenges that spring weather can bring for homeowners.

Melting snow and rain showers mean your home’s sump pump is going to have to work overtime. If it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a basement full of water. To avoid flooding and water damage in your home, it is important to inspect your sump pump before the spring showers begin.

How to Prep Your Sump Pump for Spring

To ensure your home stays dry and damage-free, you should test your sump pump and check that everything is in order before the rainy spring season hits. The following are a few simple steps you can take to prepare and protect your home from rising waters:

• Check the power.Inspect the power cord for your sump pump for any defects or damages. You will also want to ensure that the pump is plugged into a GFCI outlet. This type of outlet is best for areas that may get damp as it can greatly reduce your risk of injury from electric shock. However, the circuit may occasionally trip and need to be reset to turn your sump pump back on.
• Clear debris.Over time, debris can accumulate around the pump and get sucked up, causing it to clog. Clear out any mud, gravel, or rocks to prevent this from happening. Even other small items, like toys, can fall in and jam the pump.
• Check the outlet pipes.These are the pipes that drain the water outside and away from your home. Check to see that they are still connected tightly and that they are moving the water at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
• Test the float switch.Dump a bucket of water into the pit of the pump to check that the float switch is working properly. If it is, the pump should activate and remove the water. If the pump doesn’t turn on, the switch may need replacing. Call to have it serviced as soon as possible.
• Test the check valve.The test valve has a flap that keeps water from flowing back into the pit after the pump has emptied into the discharge pipe. Try pouring water into the pit. If you notice any flow back in after the pump turns off, the flap may need cleaning.
• Clear the inlet grate.There is a grate or screen on the pump that can occasionally get clogged by debris from the sucking action of the pump. Remove it and clean it every spring to avoid overworking the pump.

What to Do if Your Home Floods

If you’ve taken precautions and your sump pump still malfunctions, you should have any water cleared out of your home as soon as possible. Even the smallest amount can lead to rotting and mold growth.

Whether you have significant water damage or a small, isolated spot, it’s best to call an experienced flood restoration contractor. They can inspect your home and ensure it is properly dried out and repaired to prevent further damage.

Alpha-omega Water Restoration Services

No matter the damage, big or small, call Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration for inspection. Even if your home is simply left damp, our certified crew of experts will make sure your home is thoroughly dried to prevent mold from taking hold. For major flooding, we will assess and document the damage to work with your insurance before providing the most efficient restoration possible.

Our crew is on call 24/7 to assist you. Call us today!