Does A Sump Pump Need Maintenance?

Sump pumps help to keep our homes and loved ones safe, dry, and out of harm’s way. But how often do you think about your sump pump? If you can’t remember the last time you had your system maintained, this blog is for you.

Why Should Sump Pumps Be Maintained?

If you own a home, you may have a sump pump installed in your basement. Most people don’t think much of it until they find that the sump pump is not working properly. Unfortunately, that typically doesn’t happen until it’s too late, so having regular maintenance done on your sump pump can save you a lot of money in the long run.

What Can Go Wrong?

If you find your sump pump is having a lot of problems in a short period of time, or if it simply isn’t working as you need it to, it could be time to install a new system. Installing a new sump pump may seem like a high-cost expense, but it’s significantly less than the cost of letting your basement flood out and cause major damage to your entire home. Compared to water damage restoration and mold remediation expenses, sump pumps are relatively cheap and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Sump Pump Failure Risks

Most people don’t notice they have a problem until their basement starts flooding. Here are some signs to look for if your sump pump might need maintenance.

Strange Smells

A bad odor coming from your sump pump is a major sign of a problem. Mold and mildew can build up very fast, causing a lot of damage to your basement. Mold hiding behind the drywall in your basement can cause a lot of damage, not to mention health risks to the people living in the home. Very often, the vents or system seals need to be cleaned out or even replaced. If you smell a bad odor, be sure to call your plumber right away to avoid costly repairs.

Unusual Noises

Sump pumps should be quiet and run smoothly. A loud noise means that you may be having some mechanical problems or that your system could be jammed up or clogged up. Again call your plumber as soon as you can to get the sump pump looked at.

Flooding

This one is more of a no-brainer, but if your basement starts flooding, there is a good chance that your sump pump is not working correctly. A sump pump is designed to keep water from coming into your basement. If your sump pump does not have a backup battery, there could be a major problem if the sump pump were to go out in the middle of a rainstorm. This is the time you really need your sump pump to work, so consider buying a sump pump with a backup battery.

Are you looking for sump pump repair & installation services in the Austin area? Contact S & D Plumbing to set up an appointment today!