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Tips for DIY Sump Pump Maintenance

When you have a sump pump, there are some maintenance stops that you need to take on a regular basis to ensure that your sump pump is always ready to kick into action. Without regular maintenance, your sump pump may not turn on and pump water away from your home the way it is supposed to during heavy rain and flooding.

Professional sump pump service in Woodbridge, NJ is equally important. You should schedule an annual maintenance appointment for your sump pump with our team of professionals. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn about the steps that you can complete yourself on a regular basis to ensure your sump pump works well and has a longer lifespan.

Check Power

Your sump pump needs to be installed on its own circuit. It also needs a surge protector or to be plugged into a GFCI socket so power surges don’t damage the system. If a power surge happens, the electrical current won’t reach your sump pump. If your sump pump doesn’t meet those qualifications, that needs to be addressed right away.

Ensure Proper Leveling

For best results, your sump pump needs to be level. When it is operating, motor vibration may move the sump pump out of place either horizontally or vertically. You can try to make adjustments on your own if the sump pump isn’t level, but if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself you can give us a call.

Check Operation

You can test your sump pump by putting some water in the basin. Your sump pump has either a float device or a sensor that will detect water and activate the pump. Make sure your sump pump seems to be operating the way it should. If you notice any unusual sounds or odors, note them and give our team a call.

If the sump pump doesn’t turn on automatically, you need to call for service. It’s a good idea to complete a test on your sump pump once each month for best results. Keep in mind that when your sump pump turns on it should signal an alarm to let you know it is pumping water away from your home.

Check the Discharge Line

Your sump pump attaches to a pipe called the discharge line. This is how water gets moved away from your home and into a well or storm drain. Check this line to make sure it is secure without any signs of damage or leaks.

Clean the Pump

Turn your sump pump off completely before trying to clean it. Then turn the breaker off as an added precaution. Take off the screen and hose it off or use a brush to scrub away tough residue. You can also remove any buildup or debris that has gathered in or around your sump pump.

If your sump pump is used to remove waste water from your clothes washer you may need to clean out the pump more often.

Contact Scaran today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for your sump pump service.

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