How often should my sump pump be serviced?

It's essential to keep your sump pump in good working order. An efficient and properly functioning sump pump will help to protect your home from flooding and water damage.

How often you need to service your sump pump depends on a few factors, including the pump type, the frequency of use, and the environment.

What Type Of Sump Pump Is It?

If you presently have a submersible sump pump, you should service it every two years. This type of sump pump is more likely to experience problems due to being constantly submerged in water.

If yours is a pedestal sump pump, the recommendation for service is every three years. This type of sump pump is less likely to experience problems due to its location above the water.

Create A Maintenance Plan

The first place to begin is knowing which type of pump you have and then researching the maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance is the optimal way to ensure the sump pump has a long and productive life.

The frequency of use also determines how often you should service your sump pump. If you use your sump pump frequently, you will service it more often than if you use it infrequently.

Frequent Use Means Additional Maintenance - You'll have to step up your maintenance schedule if you use the pump frequently. Regular cleaning and monitoring the system for malfunctions will help you avoid a massive, catastrophic failure. Maintenance is always a bit of work, but it prevents a much greater effort later. 

Your Environment Impacts Sump Pump Performance - Finally, the environment in which you use your sump pump can also affect how often you need to service it. For example, if you use your sump pump in an environment with a lot of dirt and debris, you will need to service it more often than running it in a clean area.

If you're unsure how often you should service your sump pump, it is best to consult with a professional. A professional can accurately assess your situation and recommend a service schedule that is right for you. Like many items, sump pumps could fail at once or over time. Maintenance is the best way to ensure you're getting the maximum life from yours.

A functional sump pump offers numerous benefits, including:

Defends Your Basement From Water Damage - The primary purpose of a pump is to remove excess water, which prevents problems. However, water damage is expensive to fix, and one reason is that investing in sump pumps is always worth it.

Protect Paint And Wall Coverings From Peeling - Water damage and high moisture levels wreak havoc on paint and other wall decorations.

Keep Basement Appliances Rust Free - Protect expensive equipment from water damage and the potential for creating rust or other permanent water damages.

Reduce Mold, Mildew, And Fungus Growth - No one wants any of these nasties growing in their basement. A sump pump reduces exposure.

Improve Indoor Air Quality - Excess moisture makes breathing more difficult. Sump pumps keep the excess water out so you can breathe easier.

Make The Basement More Protected, Comfortable, And Dry

Nobody likes damp, cold basements, but conditions improve when you add a sump pump.

Homeowner's insurance often covers basement flooding damage when needed. You'll save money on your insurance with a sump pump. For some policies, it's a requirement.

What Are The Tell-Tale Signs My Sump Pump Needs Service?

How Can I Tell I Need To Fix It?

If you currently reside in a geographic location that experiences a lot of rain or flooding, you know it's crucial to have a reliable sump pump. But even the best sump pumps need occasional maintenance and repairs. Here are a few signs that your sump pump may need some attention:

It's Been A While Since Your Last Service - Even if your sump pump seems to be working fine, it's a good idea to have it serviced every few years. That will help ensure that it continues to work correctly and doesn't break down when you need it the most. In addition, you will benefit from following the recommended maintenance schedule, so it's worth researching for your pump.

There's Water Around The Unit's Base - If you notice any water seeping out from around the bottom of your sump pump, it could be a sign that the pump is cracked or damaged. That's a severe problem that you should fix as soon as possible.

The Unit Is Making Strange Noises - If your sump pump starts making strange noises, such as banging, grinding, or humming, it could signal that the motor is going out. But, again, that's a severe problem that will require repairs or replacement. Face it; strange noises are rarely good news for electrical or mechanical devices.

It's Not Turning On - If your sump pump doesn't seem to be working, it could be because the float switch remains in the "off" position. However, that's an easy fix that you can do yourself. Just reach into the unit and push the float switch back into the "on" position.

It's Not Pumping Water - If your sump pump is running but not pumping any water, it could be because the discharge pipe is blocked. Again, this is a relatively easy problem to fix; clear away any debris blocking the line. If that doesn't work, it may indicate a more significant issue.

If you notice these pressing problems with your sump pump, it's essential to have it serviced as soon as possible. A broken sump pump can easily lead to flooding in your home, which can cause extensive damage. So don't wait until it's too late; if you think there might be a problem with your sump pump, call a professional for help.

You may want to contact Geiler if you're experiencing a leaky basement. Our friendly team helps area residents stay safe, dry, and warm! And emergency services help ensure there's help whenever you need it.