4 Sump Pump Mistakes You Should Never Make

Because the sump pump is such an important component of your house, taking good care of it is key. Without the sump pump being in full working order, your basement will be vulnerable to flooding. But there are many ways that people might unintentionally harm the sump pump. Here are four of the most common mistakes that homeowners make in regards to sump pumps and how you can avoid them.

Debris in the Sump Pump

One of the quickest ways to damage a sump pump is with debris. Dirt, sand, and small rocks that are commonly in a sump pit could clog the lines, which will eventually break the sump pump’s motor. The best way to keep this from happening is by making sure that there isn’t any debris in the sump pit. When installing a sump pump, it shouldn’t go into gravel that’s any smaller than the size of a penny. It’s good to keep an eye on your sump pump and make sure that no debris gets into it.

Failing to Test the System.

For many homeowners, a sump pump is a set-it-and-forget-it appliance. They don’t typically think about their sump pump unless there is an emergency. However, it’s important to test your sump pump from time to time so that you know it’s working properly. All you need to do is slowly pour some water into your sump pit up to the point where the float switch activates. The way that you can tell your sump pump is working at its best is when that water level lowers and then the sump pump shuts off. If a sump pump isn’t working properly then it will run continuously when dry or fail to run at all. By testing your sump pump, you can spot a problem and have it repaired instead of waiting until the basement floods to find out the hard way.

Professional Assistance

When it comes to sump pumps, it’s often best to trust a professional every step of the way. Faulty installation can lead to a lot of problems, such as the check valve being installed backwards, a common mistake, which will make water flow back into the house instead of letting the sump pump push it away from the house. There could also be problems that you can’t see, like a broken discharge pipe underground, or your sump pump’s wiring could be out of order. Either way, it’s best to ask a professional if something with your sump pump doesn’t seem right.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.