Sump Pumps & Water Damage Repair

Water damage repair will be necessary if a home has a faulty sump pump. A sump pump is a mechanism that is installed in basements of homes in order to pump water out via the drainage or sewage system. These devices are often fueled by electricity. In order to keep them working as long as possible, maintenance must be performed on a regular basis. Ounces of prevention are always worth pounds of cure. A soggy basement can result in structural damage, mold, mildew, and insect infestations. All of these can lead to a loss of property value, illnesses in household inhabitants and costly repairs. Here are some thoughts about keeping the basement dry and the sump pump pumping.

- Lifespan of device: These machines have a lifespan of approximately five to ten years. The better maintained it is, the longer it will last which means less water damage repair!

- Initial installation important: A sump pump must be installed correctly in the first place. Selecting the proper sized unit will be crucial. Two considerations are 1) the capacity of the machine and 2) how fast the pump will move the fluids out. It’s important to get the right model so it won’t be overloaded from overuse.

- Preventative maintenance tips: Maintenance should be performed at a minimum of once a year. Some models and usages bump this requirement up to every few months. It’s important to check the owners’ manual for the model within the home. Running a solution of white vinegar and water through the device will clear out sediment, debris and keep everything flowing freely. Turning the machine on to check on how quickly everything is being moved outside is also a wise step. Checking the float switch, battery backup and noting any irregularities which might mandate a repair are necessary, too.

- The float: The ball inside of the mechanism that moves up or down according to the water level is called a float. It’s crucial to make sure that it’s rising and sinking appropriately.

- Motor: Is the motor working properly? Turning on the motor to make sure it’s moving the fluid along and not making any sounds of distress is important. Clogged pipes, shafts or other issues must be tended to, if necessary.

- After a dry season: If a dry spell has kept the pump from being switched on for a while, it’s important to pour water through it to keep it active and ready for another cloudburst or rainy season.

- Electrical checkup: Are the circuits amped up and ready to go? Check the electrical panel and circuit breaker to make sure everything’s set electrically for pumping action.

A sump pump is a valuable part of a household’s drainage system. Proper installation, regular maintenance and repair are all necessary to keep a basement and home dry and shipshape. Leaks or pooling of H2O can create havoc within a house. Not only can drywall, lumber, furnishings and other valuable property be damaged but health hazards can result. Mold and mildew can create respiratory ills in inhabitants and cause a house to become uninhabitable. Insects can also spread disease and create risks to wellbeing. Proper maintenance will keep water damage repair down to a minimum.