The Importance of Inspecting a Sump Pump Before Rainy Season

A black sump pump in a basement with concrete flooring and white brick walls.
Don’t Let Your Sump Pump Remain Unprepared for Stormy Weather

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia, we are always looking out for our customers. Our locally owned and operated franchise location understands the seasonal threats to your plumbing system. One such threat involves summertime weather as heat, humidity, and atmospheric pressure lead to thunderstorms, downpours, and even occasional hurricanes.

Today, we will go over how to proactively prepare for the worst by ensuring your sump pump is ready to handle the rain. A sump pump is a water-extraction device usually located within a basement or at the lowest point of a property. Its primary function is to eliminate water by channeling it into a sump pit or basin. This pit/basin is essentially a hole in the ground or basement where the water is extracted.

The Undesirable Hazards of Faulty Sump Pumps

An effective sump pump can help homeowners maintain dry ground-level and below-ground-level spaces. However, a malfunctioning sump pump can be disastrous – allowing your property to flood when heavy rains arrive. Nobody wants to deal with water damage, mold growth, and ruined possessions. That’s why it is so essential to maintain your sump pump to safeguard your home.

Modern sump pumps may be durable, but they are far from indestructible. Over time, a sump pump can wear down, corrode, and malfunction. This possibility of disrepair is why it is so critical to check your sump pump regularly for signs of natural wear and tear, structural weakness, and decay.

Telltale signs your sump pump needs maintenance or repair services include:

  • Excessive or erratic vibration when operating
  • Visible rust
  • The sump pump runs continuously
  • Loud operational noises
  • Stubborn clogs
  • The sump pump will not turn on

We Can Help Prepare Your Sump Pump for Summer

It is wise to have your sump pump in top condition when summertime arrives. The following maintenance tasks can help prevent sump pump failure:

  1. Perform trial tests – There are ways to test your sump pump proactively. Just open the lid and fill it with enough water to lift the float. If your sump pump is working, it should remove the water instantly. Call our professional plumbers if you notice any issues.
  2. Troubleshoot & check the power supply – Every sump pump requires electricity. We recommend testing the outlets in your basement every few months to verify they are delivering electricity. We also suggest purchasing a generator (just in case the power goes out during a storm).
  3. Check for rust & corrosion - A well-maintained sump pump should last at least a decade. One way to prolong the lifespan of your sump pump system is by inspecting it for rust, corrosion, or structural flaws. Call a plumbing professional if your sump pump appears compromised in any way.
  4. Perform a seasonal sump pump tune-up – It can’t hurt to clean your sump pump before each rainy season. Turn off the electricity, remove the sump pump from the basin, and clean out any debris, sediment, and dirt accumulated since the last maintenance session. Most sump pumps can be cleaned with basic equipment, such as a stiff-bristle brush, water, and rags. Upon request, our plumbing technicians can take your sump pump tune-up to the next level (washing the inlet screen, lubricating the bearings, etc.).

It is essential to regularly check your sump pump throughout the summer – even after following all these steps. You never know what a heavy storm might do to your valuable drainage system. Inspecting your sump pump for damages and malfunctions will help prevent unwanted emergencies.

Professional Sump Pump Maintenance

Significantly increase your chances of avoiding an emergency sump pump scenario by contacting Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia the second any sign of trouble appears. We are proud to be your one-stop plumbing solution. Our sump pump replacement and repair specialists will quickly come to the rescue. We will arrive promptly and waste no time remedying the situation. Our technicians even work on holidays, late nights, and weekends.

Repairing or replacing a sump pump system requires extensive knowledge. Our seasoned and skilled technicians can troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix virtually any sump pump issue. We utilize state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and techniques to complete each job thoroughly. There is no need to panic if you encounter a sump pump emergency. Our plumbing specialists are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Ready to hire a trusted plumber to inspect or replace your sump pump? Call us today or contact us online! We offer flat, upfront rates – free of hidden fees and off-hour surcharges.