Sump Pump Survival Guide.

Spot Trouble Early, Stay Storm-Ready, and Avoid Costly Floods

It’s the rainy spring season and if you’ve ever found yourself worrying about the possibility of water seeping into your basement after a heavy rain, you’re not alone. That’s where a sump pump comes in—a necessity for homeowners, especially those living in areas prone to flooding or with pesky high-water tables. This little device is usually tucked away in the basement or crawl space, tirelessly working to pump out any excess water that tries to invade your home during those rainy days. In the fall, we introduced the pros and cons of installing a sump pump – https://bluechipplumbing.com/resources/sump-pumps-cincinnati/. In this article, we’ll cover warning signs of failure, how to prep for storms, testing frequency, and the life-saving value of battery backups. 

Is Your Sump Pump Failing You? 
Like most things in life, your sump pump won’t last forever. It’s good to be on the lookout for warning signs that it might be struggling. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Strange Noises: Sump pumps usually make a low, steady whirring sound when running, so if yours starts making grinding or rattling sounds, it might be time to investigate.

• Continuous Running: A sump pump should cycle on and off as needed to remove water. If your pump seems to be running non-stop without any water accumulation, it may be trapped in a failure mode, or the float switch could be malfunctioning.

• Visible Rust or Corrosion: Sump pumps are designed to operate with water, so some rust is possible. Excessive rust, especially if it’s causing brown water or clogging the pump, can indicate a problem. 

• Water Backup: If you suddenly notice water pooling in the basement, your pump is clearly not doing its job.

• Dry Sump Pit: The sump pit should always have water in it. If the sump pit is dry, it could indicate a problem with the pump’s installation or the drainage system. 

• Frequent Power Failures: If you’ve had a few power outages lately, and especially if your pump relies solely on electrical power, you’ll want to prepare for potential failures.

Are You Storm Ready? Sump Pump Preparedness 
It is Spring and storm season can strike at any time! Being prepared can save you a lot of headaches and money. Here are some things you can do to ensure your sump pump (and your basement) are ready for action when the skies turn dark:

• Check Your Gutters: Make sure they’re clean and directing water away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to excess water pooling near your foundation.
• Seal Cracks in Your Foundation: Inspect your basement walls and the floor for any cracks and seal them up tight! A hefty rainfall can turn small cracks into big leaks.
• Have a Plan for Heavy Rain: If forecasters issue warnings for severe storms, make sure you have your sump pump checked and clear any debris from around it.
• Consider Backup Systems: A sump pump with an automatic backup can continue to work even with lost power.

If your sump pump stops working during a storm, immediately check the power source, inspect the discharge pipe for blockages, and try to clear any debris from the sump pit. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contact Blue Chip Plumbing for emergency sump pump repair. 

The Value of Automatic Backup Systems
Speaking of power failures! What happens when there’s a storm and a power outage? This is where automatic backup systems come into play, providing a crucial layer of defense. Imagine the peace of mind you’d feel knowing your sump pump has a reliable backup power source during those stormy nights, and you can trust that your pump will keep running, no matter how long the power stays out. Plus, these automatic backup systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing pump, making installation and upkeep a breeze.

When it comes to these backup systems, there are a few options to go with. There are battery backup systems, which kicks in when the electricity does not. Then there are water-powered backups, which use the water pressure from the city to run a second pump. Finally, there are dedicated systems, like the Sump Pro, which is specifically built to be a reliable backup power source for your sump pump. Knowing how these different types of backups work and what they can do for you is super important if you want to make sure your basement always stays nice and dry.

Backup Battery Systems
A fresh, fully charged battery backup unit can typically run for 4-7 hours of continuous pumping, or for 1-3 days of intermittent pumping depending on the frequency. There are a few factors that can affect a unit’s runtime:

• Battery Capacity:Larger batteries (measured in amp-hours) will allow for longer pumping times. 
• Pump Load:The amount of water the pump needs to move affects how quickly the battery drains. 
• Pumping Frequency:If the pump runs frequently, the battery will discharge faster. 
• Battery Age:As batteries age, their capacity decreases, leading to shorter runtimes.

Water-Powered Backup Systems 
While battery backup can fail because of limited run time and the likelihood to fail during prolonged rainstorms, water-powered backup systems offer an advantage by not relying on electricity or batteries, ensuring continuous operation if there’s municipal water pressure available.  Water-powered sump pumps use the water pressure you already have in your house to create a powerful sucking action, to release the water away from your home.

Back Up Power Source
A backup power source, like the Sump Pro, is a system that stores up electricity in its own batteries, kicking in when electricity goes out. It is like having your own little power station, providing up to 1800 watts of electricity – that’s enough to run most of the stuff you usually plug into your wall, like lamps or even some appliances.

Sump Pump Longevity and Maintenance
A sump pump can typically last between 7 and 10 years when properly maintained, some high-quality pumps may last up to 15 years. Just like any piece of machinery, regular maintenance is crucial for your sump pump. A good rule of thumb is to test it every few months—not just when the rain is forecasted! Here’s how to do a simple test:

• Check the Power: Make sure it’s plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Pour Water: Pour water directly into the sump pit until it reaches the float switch. The pump should kick on and start draining the water immediately.
• Test Backup System: To test the backup system, simply unplug the primary pump and continue to pour water into the sump until the backup system kicks on. The alarm should sound as well if so equipped.
• Inspect the Discharge Pipe: Make sure it’s clear of any obstructions and directs water away from your home.
• Watch for Correct Operation: Listen for the motor running and make sure it stops once the water level lowers.

Doing this every few months, along with a professional inspection of your sump pump each year, can save you from a nasty surprise when you need your pump the most.

Your sump pump is a crucial element of your home’s defense against flooding. By staying aware of the warning signs of failure, prepping your home for storms, testing regularly, and investing in a battery backup, you’re taking proactive steps to keep your basement dry and safe. So, don’t wait for that first big storm of the season! Have Blue Chip Plumbing make sure your sump pump is ready for the rainy season. Contact us here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820 to get a free quote on installing or maintaining a sump pump today.