Homeowners across the Miami Valley are experiencing wet basements and soggy carpet. A high water table and sump pumps are a fact of life for those of us living in the Miami Valley of Ohio. With the higher than average amount of rainfall we’ve experienced over the last several weeks, many homeowners are finding that their sump pumps either failed or just couldn’t keep up with the amount of ground water being created by torrential rains.
The team at Allstate has created an excellent list of tips for protecting your most important investment – your home.
A sump pump is a key component in your home that helps prevent ground- or rainwater from building up in your basement — pushing water out from under your home and helping to keep it away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to help make sure its functioning properly. Additionally, it’s not entirely uncommon for homeowners to install an emergency backup pump with an alarm that alerts you if it’s being used. Here are a few simple sump pump inspection tips to consider.
How Often?
There are many different types of sump pumps, so remember to consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s advice on the right maintenance and service. However, the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturer’s Association generally recommends the following maintenance frequency on sump pumps:
Monthly: If your sump pump disposes water from a washing machine, a monthly cleaning of the pump screen or inlet opening is needed.
Quarterly: If your sump pump does not dispose washing machine water, the pump screen or inlet opening can be cleaned once every three to four months.
Remember, you should always have a professional inspect your sump pump each year to make sure it is working properly, says the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
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