Sump Pump Installation questions, answered by experts
If you have a self-cleaning washing machine but you’re still seeing lint, your water pump filter might be clogged. To clean it, you should unscrew the drain hose, then remove the water pump filter. From there, you can inspect it and clean it with warm water before replacing it. Check to be sure your washing machine is functioning by running a short cycle.
Thankfully, you do have a few sump pump backup options in case it fails. One option is a battery-powered backup sump pump. Another option is using a portable backup generator as a power supply for your sump pump. Unlike a battery-powered backup which has limited power, a generator can run around the clock for as long as you need it.
Or you can opt for a water-powered backup pump, which uses your home’s water supply as a source of power. However, this may not be the best option if you find your house frequently has low water pressure.
There are several things you can do to maintain your sump pump and prevent sump pump problems. For instance, keeping a lid on your sump pit goes a long way in protecting your pump system from silt, sand, dirt, and other debris. When water drains from the outside, such as along your foundation, or with melting snow, water runoff often brings sediment with it.
Also be wary of corrosion, particularly if your sump pump system is made of metal. Keep an eye out for rust and have it inspected regularly by a plumber or sump pump technician.
One common reason a sump pump stops working is improper sizing. Different locations need different sizes and power ratings of sump pumps depending on the typical amount of water the pump needs to manage. If your sump pump is too small for the quantity of water, it can overwork and either burn out or reduce the life of the unit. If the pump is too big, it can overwork and burn out early.
Every three to four months, you should clean any dirt and debris off of your sump pump. You should also check the inlet screen (at the bottom of the pump) to make sure that it isn’t blocked. On top of that, you should deep clean your sump pump once per year—or hire a sump pump pro to do it for you.
The Vanderwagen, NM homeowners’ guide to sump pump installation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sump pump replacement costs depend on the type of unit you have and the cost of labor, which varies by region. Read on to find out more about what to expect.
Sump pump battery backup costs depend on the type and the design of the system purchased. Follow this guide to learn how to budget for your backup battery.
Is it okay to dump water in a sump pump? Learn more about sump pumps, including how to test them, maintain them, and best practices for filling them with water.
What’s the difference between utility pumps versus sump pumps? While they’re both useful for moving water, utility pumps are more versatile. Here’s how.