Residents of the Coachella Valley know how damaging floods are to their homes. It takes only one inch of water to wreak havoc in your home and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. The best line of defense to guard against basement flooding is with a sump pump installation.
If you’re not sure that you need a sump pump or if your current system needs a tune-up, call the sump pump repair experts at KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning to schedule service.
Stop relying on harsh chemical drain cleaners — call us for safe, thorough drain cleaning to restore your plumbing to like-new condition.
Why Are Sump Pumps Important?
You probably wouldn’t think so, but installing a sump pump in your home’s basement is the best thing you can do to prevent flooding and the water damage it brings.
If you don’t think you need to invest in a sump pump for your home, consider the risks if you don’t.
According to some experts, over 60 percent of American homes are affected by underground moisture. When areas get heavy doses of precipitation, water can accumulate and cause flooding in surrounding structures. Once water enters your home, it can cause thousands of dollars in property damage, and most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
Besides causing property damage, excessive moisture in the house also brings on the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health issues like nasal stuffiness, coughing, sneezing, and lung infections.
Lastly, if you plan on eventually selling your home, a previously flooded basement can bring down the value, especially if you had water damage.
Steps for Sump Pump Maintenance
Whether it’s the arrival of spring and the melting of snow or the advent of the rainy season, if you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you know that one of the last things you want as a homeowner is water damage.
A sump pump is an effective first line of defense for keeping your basement dry during excessively wet weather. However, your sump pump won’t do you any good if it fails to kick on to do its job. So, to maintain your sump pump and ensure it’s ready to go when called to duty, follow these simple maintenance tips.
- Ensure the unit is plugged into a GFCI outlet and the cord isn’t frayed or worn.
- Check the discharge pipe and vent hole for debris like gravel or dirt, and clear out any obstructions that might cause the pump to work harder than needed.
- Inspect the intake screen to make sure it’s free from debris and clogs.
- Remove debris from the put and make sure the float component is free from obstructions
- Pour a bucket of water into the basin to test that the floater rises and activates the pump.
- If your pump uses a battery backup system, replace the battery regularly as directed by the manufacturer.
- Call a professional plumber for annual sump pump maintenance.
If you notice that your water bill is steadily rising and you’ve not changed your usage, call us and ask about our water leak detection service to determine if you have a hidden leak in your plumbing system.
