Sump Pump Preparation for Summer Storms

by Expert Contributor Rick Bondurant of R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

The summer/fall storm season is well underway. Check out your existing sump pump and associated equipment now instead of trying to deal with it during a heavy rainstorm.

If you have an existing crock or basin in the floor, make sure the pit is free from debris, which can cause the float on the pump to not work properly. Debris can also easily clog the impeller (a small filter on the pump). And make sure the discharge piping from the pump has a check valve, to prevent water from coming right back into the pit once it’s pumped out.

When you replace the sump pump, you should check the valve, to make sure the discharge pipe to the outside is clear.

Sometimes, something as simple as a new mulch bed or landscaping can cause the discharge pipe to no longer drain freely — a real problem if the pump kicks on! Check the power outlet once a month, to make sure it’s working properly. Many basement outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) that can easily trip, causing no power to the pump.

It’s also a great idea to seriously consider a backup pump system. It’s a separate pump installed in the same pit that will kick on if the primary sump pump fails. The primary pump may not work due to a power outage or mechanical failure. If you have a home that heavily relies on the sump pump during storms, then a backup pump system is strongly recommended.

There are two types of backup systems. The first is a battery backup system. It runs on a 12-volt marine battery, and comes with a wall charger to keep the battery charged and ready to go. Homeowners can expect to get anywhere from 5–8 hours of pump run time out of the battery.

The other option that’s gaining a lot of popularity is the water-powered backup system, which is powered by your municipal water supply and requires no electricity to operate. This option will function for a much longer time than the battery backup systems. A water-powered backup system will not work, however, if you have a well water system. Consult with a professional to discuss the options that would be the best fit for your property.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates the average life expectancy of a sump pump at 10 years. It really depends on how frequently the pump is running, and that, of course, varies from house to house. It’s often “peace of mind” for customers to replace sooner so they can be more confident during storms.

Rick Bondurant

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating

Call 610-566-0288

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