Before we had a chance to say, "April showers bring May flowers", March rainstorms rocked our skies. If you have experienced episodes of excessively wet weather, you may want to check on your sump pump. Sump pumps send water away from a sump pit to a municipal storm drain or dry well. They are predominately used where basement flooding is common and where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Maintaining your sump pump is as easy as performing these simple tasks:
1. Check on the effectiveness of the sump pump's motor by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump does not start up automatically and drain the water, have a professional take a look at it.
2. Make sure that the pump not only turns on, but also pumps water out. A sump pump is useless if it doesn't take water away from your home.
3. Clear the grate of any any sand, dirt, or gravel that may have accumulated. A buildup of debris decreases efficiency and damages the pump over time.
During periods of excessive rainfall, you should inspect your sump pump more frequently. Doing so will ensure that you catch and fix any issues before April showers leave you with a flooded basement.
A large selection of sump pumps can be found at www.supplyhouse.com
