Maintaining a dry basement can be a constant struggle for any homeowner and just because is a sump pump installed does not mean it will work properly. The typical life expectancy for sump pumps is approximately from five to ten years depending on the model. However, you can extend the life of your sump pump with standard sump pump repairs.

Sump Pump Repair Tips

Whenever you perform routine sump pump maintenance, think about the following things:

Make certain that the sump pump float switch is operating properly. The float switch is a critical component because it powers the pump on when water rises to a certain point. If the float is not working, then the sump pump won't turn on and your basement will be at risk of flooding.

Make sure that when the sump pump is turned on that it's actually pumping water. A sump pump would malfunction if an impeller came unattached from the shaft, a pipe was blocked, or a check valve was stuck. Fill the sump pit with adequate water and turn the sump pump on. Make sure the float device is working, listen to the pump for strange sounds, and check the drainage pipe outside your home also to make sure the water is flowing freely.

Check if the environmental factors have changed since you first purchased the sump pump. If there is significantly more water to pump, you might need to upgrade your pump. If there is more dirt and debris in the area, then you will need to perform sump pump maintenance to clean it.

Lastly, ensure that the circuit breaker, along with the dedicated control circuit which you put in for the sump pump are functioning correctly. When dealing with electrical circuits, be sure to use extreme caution.

If you routinely check your sump pump and perform ongoing maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of the unit. If you find your sump pump is beyond repair, consider getting a new one. Learn more on how to repair a sump pump.