Getting help for your sump pump
While they aren’t common and found in every home, there are many homes that plumbing and pumps go together like peas and carrots. A plumbing pump, more commonly called a sump pump, can make the difference between a basement flooding or not flooding.
A sump pump is a device that is installed in a pit in a basement or in a crawl space. It is submersible, meaning it is made to work under water. For the post part, it doesn’t do anything, it simply is on standby, but when it is needed, it works hard. When does a plumbing pump start to work?
A plumbing pump, aka sump pump, will start doing its job when the area it is set in becomes flooded, typically the basement, or the crawlspace. Not every house needs this because the grade of the property doesn’t allow water to soak in the rain. For a house that does have flooding issues, a plumbing pump is a bonus to have.
Houses that aren’t on a well-graded property, the soil can only absorb so much rain, then it flows into the basement or into the crawl space. As water begins to fill the plumbing pit, the plumbing pump becomes activated and pumps out the excess water. That water goes to a plumbing drain, pumps the water off to either a dry well, detention pond, or storm drain.
Do sump pumps need maintenance?
Yes, at the minimum once a year inspection and maintenance is recommended. However, if your plumbing pump is used more frequently, you may need to inspect and perform maintenance more often. If you’re going to do the maintenance yourself, be sure to unplug the power supply first, then follow these steps:
- Monthly Cleaning: If your washing machine drains into the pit for the plumbing pump to dispose of the gray water, a monthly cleaning of the inlet or screen is recommended. To clean these, remove the plumbing pump from the pit. On the bottom of the pump you’ll find a grate that needs to be cleaned. A plumbing pump will sometimes suck in dirt and small rocks, blocking the inlet. If this isn’t cleaned regularly, you’ll find yourself looking for plumbing repair pumps or buying a new plumbing pump.
- Quarterly Cleaning: A plumbing pump that is only used for pumping out the basement or crawl space should be cleaned every four months and inspect it every 2 months. Making sure it is plugged in to a GFCI outlet and the cord is in good condition is important. If not, your plumbing pump may not be there to work for you when you need it.
- Annual Cleaning: The plumbing pump and the pit should be cleaned annually. Make sure the power is off and remove the plumbing pump from the pit. Clean the drainage pipes, the grade, and the inlet or screen. Then return the plumbing pump to the pit, fill the pit with water and test the pump. Never test a pump without water in the pit.
- Annual Battery Backup Check: A plumbing pump need electricity to operate, but when the power is out, which is common during storm season, you want to make sure you have a backup battery ready to go.
Once a year, it pays to have a professional contractor check you plumbing pump. This is an investment in your investment that protects your biggest and most important investment – your home. A professional contractor will do the following:
- Inspect the pit.
- Inspect the Check Valve.
- Inspect the backup power source.
- Check the alarm if the plumbing pump is equipped with one.
- Inspect the removable cover.
- Inspect the discharge location.
How do you know if a pressure tank is bad?
Pumps for plumbing are all basically the same thing, different shapes, and sizes. Not all plumbing pumps have a pressure tank, but if yours does, it is important to know the signs that it is going out. You can do something about it before it happens, or your plumbing pump is rendered useless when you need it most. Indictors to be aware of are clicking and loud noises coming from the pressure tank and electric bill increases.
How much does it cost to replace a ejector pump?
All plumbing pumps water is valuable. With out pumps, we wouldn’t get water into our home and back out again. You don’t realize how valuable until it isn’t working, or the ejector pump quits in your sump pump. To replace your plumbing pump ejector they can range from $150 to $300 for a bottom of the line model to a more expensive model costing up to $600.
If you’re considering purchasing a plumbing pump, you want to make sure you get the right size for your needs. So, how are plumbing pumps rated? Plumbing pumps are rated by the following factors:
- Horsepower
- Volumetric flow rate
- Outlet pressure of head
- Inlet suction of head
Note: The head can be streamlined by the measurement of feet it raises or lowers the water at the atmospheric pressure. Call (770) 672-0095 today for your sump pump needs in Marietta, GA.