sump pump maintenance Archives - Always Plumbing & Heating

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!

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.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips for Your Edmonton Home

A sump pump is designed to keep basements from accumulating water when flooding happens regularly. It also helps to reduce dampness when the water table is above a home’s foundation. There are hundreds of thousands of sump pumps in Canada, making them a fixture in most residences with a basement. With spring on its way, Edmonton households will want to start maintenance for the inevitable thaw – and the rain that follows. Homes that have a finished basement that is furnished or contain appliances will want to make this a priority to ensure they are kept safe from water damage.

Consider following these sump pump maintenance tips in the next few weeks.

Check for Debris: Check the sump pump basin to see if any debris has collected during the winter. Simply shine a flashlight inside to inspect the area for dirt, sediment and other contaminants. Any debris should be removed as it will affect the performance of the pump and could potentially allow it to overflow.

Inspect Check Valve: The check valve (also referred to as the “one way valve”) ensures that water doesn’t reenter the sump pump once it is shut off. The design only allows water (or any liquid) to move in one direction. It is located on the water outlet pipe and the arrow should be pointing away from the pump.

Clean It: Clean out both the relief hole and the impeller. The relief hole (also referred to as the “discharge” or “weep hole”) is a small opening positioned between the discharge and the check valve. It can be cleaned with a Q-Tip or other small cleaning tool. The impeller is the small filter mechanism attached to the sump pump, which can get clogged fairly easily. It should be cleaned after every time the sump pump is used.

A common submersible design.

Test the Pit: Pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit to ensure that it is working properly. A functioning pump should start up automatically and drain the water quickly. Perform this process at least twice, which will help guarantee everything is in working order.

Backup Power: One of the best ways to ensure your basement doesn’t flood is to provide backup power in case of a power outage. The majority of power outages occur during electrical storms – when your home is most likely to become flooded. Installing a battery backup will help ensure the pump is working when you need it most.

Redundant System: A redundant system provides a primary pump as well as a battery backup, which is the best protection against flooding. There are several emergency backup models that are on the market and, depending on your needs, might be a better choice. Speak with your local plumbing professional about options.

Sump Pump Comparison Chart

What to Do When There is Flood Damage to Your HVAC System

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

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