The cornerstone of most basement waterproofing systems is the almighty sump pump. As water collects and flows through perimeter drains, it ends up at the sump “pit” where it is sent outside and away from your home by the sump pump. The pit is usually 2 feet in diameter and can hold 15-25 gallons of water. Sump pumps come in a wide range of quality, from inexpensive models that will likely fail after heavy use, to top-of-the-line industrial models designed to pump large amounts of water continuously.
Rightway Waterproofing installs high-quality sump pumps designed to last (and backed by our Guarantee!) Most homeowners don’t want to think about their sump pump (although occasional checkups are required), so automatic sump pumps are the preferred type. These are hardwired to your homes electrical system and you can also purchase a battery backup pump for worst-case scenarios.
Because Mother Nature never takes a break from trying to get water into your home (whether rain or just ground water), a sump pump needs to be on duty to constantly pump water out. An automatic sump pump will activate when the water level reaches a certain point. Manual sump pumps must be turned on when water starts coming into your home (during a storm).
Maintaining a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are mechanical devices, so they need to be examined on a regular interval. This is especially true for sump pumps that run constantly because of a higher water table or prolonged storm season. Should a sump pump fail, it would lead to basement flooding causing even greater problems.
A smaller backup sump pump is recommended for homes with more severe water problems. Make sure the batteries are fully charged and ready to go should the main pump give out.
Its recommend to get your sump pump examined ever year or so by a professional. But as a homeowner, checking up on your sump pump every few weeks (or after heavy rain) is a good idea.
As water flows to the sump pit from all around your basement, it collects dirt, gravel, sand, and other particles. This debris makes its way through the sump pump as it’s sucked out from the pit. Any debris or blockages caught in the sump pump valves or discharge lines will force the sump pump to work harder, shortening its life span and decreasing its efficiency.
Clear out the sump pit from any dirt and debris that has collected. If a sump pump is sucking up anything but water, it has to work harder. Double-check your discharge line to make sure water is flowing freely from your house. If a sump pump is discharging anything but water it has to work harder, which is especially true during discharge because the pump has to fight gravity.
Test your sump pump if it hasn’t been used in a while or before a big storm. The first test is turning it on and off to make it still functions. Take off the lid, if there is one, and inspect the interior with a flashlight to make sure everything is free and clear. Test it out with 5 gallons of water and listen to the pump to make sure everything is functioning mechanically.
If something isn’t working right, get it fixed as soon as possible. Call Rightway Waterproofing if we installed your basement water proofing system, if you want a professional-grade waterproofing system, or if you’re unsatisfied with a system that a competitor installed for you!
Business Accreditation
Hear What Our Customers Are Saying!