Spring is coming up soon, and we’re already experiencing warmer weather here in Cincinnati—although these warmer temperatures are also coming with rains and thunderstorms. The change between seasons from winter to spring is when flooding presents the biggest danger to homes. Snowmelt and stormy weather can mean water entering your home’s basement or crawlspace, causing expensive water damage and creating an environment where mold and mildew develop.
This is where a sump pump is invaluable. A sump pump turns on automatically to pump out excess water that flows into the lower parts of a home. This water is pumped out to the waste water system or into a well. If you don’t have a sump pump in your home, we encourage you to contact our professional plumbers to arrange for this service. If you do have a sump pump, look below to find out how to prepare it for the season of flooding.
Checking Your Sump Pump
The first step to take is to look through the sump itself (the excavated hole where the water collects). Look for gravel and other debris inside it. These particles can become sucked into the sump pump and block it or cause damage. Make sure the sump is clean.
Next, clean out the “weep hole.” This is a small hole located between the pump and the check valve. You can clean it using a toothpick or a cotton swab.
Now, take a bucket that holds about five gallons of water. Pour that amount of water down into the sump. The pump should activate automatically and begin removing the water, and then shut down after the water is removed. Do this test twice with the pump to see that its automatic activation and shut-off are working. If there are any problems, call for technicians right away to see if the pump can be repaired—or if it’s the right time to replace it. If there’s something wrong with the pump, you’ll be thankful you found out before any flooding occurred.
Ken Neyer Plumbing, Inc. serves Cleves, OH and the rest of the Greater Cincinnati Area.