Sump Pump Archives - Always Plumbing & Heating

How to Test a Sump Pump and Make Sure Your Basement Doesn’t Flood

Sump pumps are a great way to protect your basement from flood damage during the spring and summer months. However, if you fail to test the sump pump before the rainy season starts it could cause a lot of water damage that could be easily avoided.

What is a sump pump?

Sump pumps are mechanical devices that move water out of your home’s basement. A
sump pump consists of four main parts:

A motor that drives a pump shaft.
A motor housing with a sealed enclosure for the motor and associated electrical components.
An impeller (also called an impellor) that extends into the pit below the floor level of the basement or crawlspace.
A float switch with a float that will rise when water rises activating the pump to turn on. Once the water lowers the float switch will fall, turning the pump off.

They are commonly used in basements and crawl spaces, but they can also be used in the garage or any other area where there is a risk of flooding. Sump pumps remove water that seeps into the ground from rain or snow melt.

How does a sump pump work?

These devices work by having a pipe that sits on the floor of your basement, which goes
down below the water level. The pump sits in another container called a sump basin,
which collects water. When there is excess water in the basin, it activates and suctions
the water up through the pipe and pumps it out of your home.

Why is it important to test the sump pump?

A sump pump helps protect your home from flooding caused by heavy rains or melting
snow. It keeps water from overflowing into your basement and damaging your
foundation, walls, and flooring. If you have a sump pump installed, it will kick on
automatically when there’s too much water for the drainage system to handle on its
own.

Here’s how you can test your sump pump:

Locate the sump pump: The sump pump is usually located in a pit or basin at the
lowest point in your basement or crawl space.
Fill the sump pit: Pour water into the sump pit until the water level triggers the
pump to turn on automatically. If your sump pump has a float switch, make sure
it’s not stuck and moves freely.
Check for proper operation: Watch and listen as the pump runs to make sure it’s
pumping water out of the pit and away from your home. The discharge line
should also be free of any obstructions or blockages. If you notice any problems,
such as strange noises or water not being pumped out, it may be a sign that your
sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced.
Test the backup system (optional): If you have a backup sump pump system, you
can also test it by unplugging the primary pump and repeating the steps above.
Repeat the test: It’s recommended to test your sump pump at least once a year,
or before any major storm or rainy season.

Regular testing of your sump pump can help ensure it’s working properly and prevent
costly water damage to your home. If you have any concerns or notice any issues
during testing, it’s important to contact a professional for further inspection and repair.

Further recommendations include:
● a sump pump battery backup with an alarm
● cleaning the sump pump yearly

What is a sump pump battery backup?

A sump pump battery backup is a device that is installed in your sump pit and is
designed to run the sump pump for an extended period if the power goes out. If you live
in an area where there are frequent power outages, it may be worth considering one of
these devices.

How to clean a sump pump:

Cleaning your sump pump is an important part of its maintenance to ensure it continues
to work efficiently and prevent any issues. Here are the steps to clean a sump pump:

Turn off the power: Before cleaning your sump pump, it’s essential to turn off
the power to avoid any electrical hazards. Unplug the pump from the electrical
outlet or switch off the circuit breaker that powers the pump.
Remove debris: Inspect the sump pit for any debris, such as rocks, dirt, or other
materials that could clog the pump. Use a scoop or your hands to remove any
debris.
Disconnect the pump: If possible, disconnect the sump pump from the
discharge pipe or hose. This will make it easier to access the pump and clean it
thoroughly.
Clean the pump: Use a clean cloth or brush to wipe down the pump, removing
any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the pump’s exterior. Inspect the
impeller and remove any debris that may have accumulated on it.
Check the float switch: The float switch is responsible for turning the pump on
and off as the water level rises and falls. Ensure that the float switch is free of
any debris and moves smoothly.
Reassemble the pump: Once you have cleaned the pump and checked all the
parts, reassemble the sump pump. Ensure that all the connections are tight and
secure.
Test the pump: Plug the pump back in or turn the circuit breaker back on, and
test the pump to ensure it’s working correctly. You can test the pump by pouring
water into the pit and checking that it’s pumped out.

Cleaning your sump pump should be done at least once a year, or more often if you
notice any issues or excessive debris buildup. Regular cleaning and maintenance can
prolong the life of your sump pump and prevent any costly repairs or replacements.
As the spring season brings warmer weather and potential rainfall, it’s important to
ensure that your sump pump is functioning properly to avoid water damage from
flooding.
By taking these preventative maintenance steps, you can have peace of mind knowing
your home is protected from any potential water damage. If you have any questions
about sump pumps or need help installing one, contact us at Always Plumbing &
Heating Ltd. We provide comprehensive plumbing, heating, and cooling services.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

Coming home to find that your basement is now a swimming pool and your sofa is now a pool lounger is everyone’s worst nightmare. Worry not though, in this article we are going to cover what you need to check and what you can do to prevent that terrible situation from ever happening.

Sump Pump Basics

So, in your basement you are likely to have a sump pump. What is a sump pump you ask? Let me explain.

A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove any and all excess water that has built up in the sump basin. The sump basin essentially collects the runoff groundwater from around the home and holds it there in order for the sump pump to work its magic and remove it.

Sump basins and pumps are usually installed if you live in low-lying areas or have a regular build-up of damp conditions which often lead to pooling and flooding. Most homes in Edmonton that have basements or crawl spaces are equipped with at least one sump pump. It’s important to keep on top of your sump pump and basin to maintain a water-free basement, particularly if your basement is below the water table or you are in an area that floods often with high rainfall.

Sump Pump Issues

Sump pumps can sometimes get a little overworked or fail from a number of issues. Below I will describe some issues that may arise when your sump pump is having an off day.

Overwhelmed Pump:

This is quite a simple issue to have but it can often lead to quite dramatic outcomes. An overwhelmed pump can be a big issue when snowmelt or heavy rainfall causes a sudden influx of water. The pump alone can’t handle the volume of water and can often fail to perform well under the strain.

The fix for this is a simple one, make sure you sufficiently upgrade the pump you have to be able to handle increased water flow. This will allow the pump to work harder and more efficiently when you need it the most.

The second fix is to buy a temporary backup pump. These can be battery operated, meaning that you can add them or take them away at a moment’s notice.

It is also worth considering another pump that is fitted on the other side of your basement. This will split the workload of one pump and make it far more efficient at pumping out water, should the need arise.

Improper Fitting of the Pump:

If there is no water passing through the pump, there is a high likelihood that your sump pump isn’t working correctly. This can often come down to the fact that the pump is not fitted in the correct matter, or that it isn’t connected to the wastewater system.

One of our specialists can take a look at your drainage system and tell you how you can properly fit the pump, fit the required drains and unclog any drains, if not fixing it themselves.

Blockages:

Basements are home to many kinds of dirt and debris, not to mention the debris that is brought in through the influx of water, should a storm hit. It’s important to regularly check your sump pump for blockages as these can cause the pumps to be put under extra strain, ultimately causing them to burn out and break.

The pump has a float system that notifies the pump when to switch on and off. This system can get clogged with grime, causing the pump to either remain on all the time or never turn on at all.

Always ensure that your pump is running clear, make sure that you clean your basement and the well in which the pump sits. This will prevent any dirt or grime from entering the pump area. You should also regularly clean your sump pump. You can learn more about that here.

How to Test Your Sump Pump

Testing your sump pump is a relatively easy task and should be undertaken on a regular basis, particularly after a heavy flood.

Take a five-gallon bucket, fill it up with water and start pouring the water around the pump. Once the level of the water starts to rise, the pump should kick in and you will be able to hear and see it working. If it isn’t working, it’s time to consider some of the points above as to why it isn’t and get it fixed.

Hose Bibs

Hose bibs are what you connect your hose line to. Predominately located outside, these little spigots can be bothersome if not properly cared for.

If the hose bib is frozen, as is often the case in colder climates, it can cause severe flooding issues, especially when you start using your garden hoses in the Spring. This is due to the bib rupturing due to the weakened state of the material not being able to handle the pressure of the water coming through it.

A simple way to protect your hose bib is to wrap it in insulation and tape it tight. This can protect the bib from those cold winter frosts and snows, ensuring that the bib maintains its integrity when you come to use it.

To properly protect the bib and keep it free-flowing, prepare it for winter by turning off the water supply to the bib, opening the external valve, and leaving the water to drain off. This way it eliminates the risk of freezing and the water pressure building up behind the bib, reducing the risk of ruptured pipes and flooding.

To thaw out a frozen bib it’s recommended that you wrap it in old towels and keep pouring boiling water over the towels until the flow of water from the tap is free-flowing and without restraint. You can learn more about how to check your hose bibs in the spring in a safe manner by reading this article.

Summary

If you are having issues with your sump pump or hose bib then you can call us at 780-489-8118, we are here to fix up all your plumbing questions and needs. Don’t let flooding become a major issue for your home. Call the experts at Always Plumbing & Heating today. We will send a professionally trained plumber to your home to evaluate the situation to set you up for optimal flood protection. Keep in mind that should flooding become an issue for you, we are available 24/7 to assist with emergency repairs. The work we perform is backed by Iron-Clad guarantees that are sure to give you peace-of-mind, not just today, but Always!

How to Prevent Your Basement from Flooding

It’s been another rainy summer in Edmonton, and the water table has been rising significantly due to 2 consecutive summers with record rainfall. Heavy rainfall poses a risk to homeowners, in which the water can seep into a basement causing flooding. This can gradually happen over time, causing mold problems, or the issue can be more sudden, causing a massive flood with extensive water damage.

What Causes Basement Flooding?

Basement flooding is the most common type of water damage that happens to a home. Communities that have several drainage ponds are typically lower-lying and may be more prone to flooding. As the heavy rainfall continues, the water table rises, and if your home is not properly maintained and equipped, the water eventually will have nowhere to go but your basement.

Water can enter your basement in a number of ways:

Cracked foundation
Windows and doors that are at ground level
Improper foundation drains or weeping tile
Improper grading with run-off going towards your home
Improper placement of downspouts
Poorly maintained eavestroughs
Power outages causing a sump pump failure

How Can You Protect Your Basement from Water Damage?

Preventing water from entering your home needs a multi-faceted approach to ensure that your basement stays dry. First, you will need to determine if any of the above listed are factors in the water getting in your basement. You will need to assess the grading of your property and the setup of your eavestroughs and downspouts. But the biggest necessity in preventing water from entering your home is ensuring you have an adequate sump pump system. Some homes in flood-prone areas may require more than one sump pump, called a redundant system, for ultimate protection.

Here is what Always Plumbing & Heating recommends to ensure ultimate flood protection from heavy rainfall:

Routine sump pump cleaning
Test your sump pump in the spring and fall
Ensure your sump pump has a backup power source (many floods happen due to power outages)
Consider a redundant system if your home is flood-prone
Ensure all sump pumps have failure alarms installed. You can get some that are Wi-Fi capable and will alert your phone if there is a problem

Even if you do not have water in your basement, don’t wait for it to happen to you to do something. Ensure that you are properly maintaining your sump pump, and taking care of other things that can cause water damage like improper grading and poorly maintained eavestroughs.

If you find water in your basement, it is important to contact a professional plumber to evaluate the full extent of your flooding issues. Flooding not only occurs from heavy rainfall or a high water table, but also can occur from a sewer backup, broken pipes, or leaking hot water tanks.

The plumbing experts at Always Plumbing & Heating will do a full home plumbing inspection to properly diagnose the cause of the flood and provide you with recommendations for repairs. Our team can also help you prevent a problem before it starts by ensuring you have the best system in place to prevent flooding in the first place.

When you have the work done professionally by Always Plumbing & Heating, you will receive guaranteed workmanship and the best warranties that we stand by 24 hours a day. And remember, the best way to avoid water damage is to prevent it!

Call us at 780-489-8118 today to get started.

DIY Sump Pump Maintenance

Your homes’ sump pump is one of the most important parts of your home plumbing fixtures in flood prevention. Sump pumps are designed to keep basements from flooding when the water table is higher than your homes’ foundation, particularly in times during large rainfall or after large snowmelt. Edmonton and area commonly receive large volumes of rain, not just in Spring, but in Summer, and sometimes into Fall. In addition to that, with the first snowmelt each the Spring, your sump pump will kick into full gear. Most, but not all, homes in Edmonton and area will be equipped with at least one sump pump, usually found in your basement utility room. With this knowledge at hand, it is prudent that homeowners pay close attention to the functioning of their sump pumps to ensure that their homes will be kept safe from water damage. There are several steps that homeowners can take to ensure their sump pump is optimally functional.

Do It Yourself Sump Pump Maintenance

Check the Sump Pump for Debris

To check the sump pump for debris, shine a flashlight into the pit that the pump is located, looking for sediment or other contaminants. Remove any debris as it will affect the performance of the pump. You can do this using a slotted spoon, or for smaller sediment, a kitchen sieve with very small holes in it. It is ideal to do this at least every Spring.

Inspect the Sump Pump Check Valve

Also referred to as a one-way valve, this valve ensures that water doesn’t re-enter the sump pump once it shuts off. The valve prevents backflow of water that it has already pumped out, thus making the device a one-way flow system. Check the valve on the water outlet pipe, and ensure the arrow is pointing away from the sump pump.

Sump Pump Routine Cleaning

Clean out both the relief hole and the impeller. To locate the relief hole, find the small opening between the sump pump discharge and the check valve. It can be cleaned using a cotton swab or a toothbrush. The impeller is the filtering mechanism attached to the sump pump. This can get clogged very easily and it should be routinely cleaned, at least monthly, or more often during times of heavy usage.

Test Your Sump Pump

Fill a large bucket with 3 gallons of water and pour it into the sump pump pit. The pump should start automatically, draining the water out of the pit. Try this twice consecutively to ensure the pump is in working order.

Back-up Power Source for Sump Pump

Because the sump pump is powered by electricity, it is important to ensure that your pump has a backup power source. Most power outages happen during major storms, which subsequently is when most basement flooding occurs. If your sump pump doesn’t have a backup power source and your home experiences a power outage during heavy rainfall, your sump pump will not function and the water has nowhere to go but into your home. Install a backup battery on your sump pump to provide you peace of mind protection in this instance.

Redundant System

A redundant system is a backup sump pump. Many homes have both a primary pump as well as a secondary backup pump. Having an emergency backup sump pump will provide the best protection against flooding.

Sump Pump Failure Alarm

Last but not least, a wifi powered sump pump alarm is a must for the homeowner who wants true optimal peace of mind surrounding their homes sump pump system.

Make sure that your home is kept free from flooding and water damage. Check and maintain your sump pump annually to keep it clean and running efficiently. You’ll also want to make sure that it is serviced by a professional at least once a year before the summer or fall. Remember that Always Plumbing & Heating can help you with all of your sump pump repairs. If it is determined that your system is due to be replaced, our skilled plumbers will provide you with options for any and all of the devices listed above, or full integrated smart systems that contain both a primary and backup pump with Wifi remote monitoring.

Category: Sump Pump