Sump Pump Services

Sump pumps are an incredibly useful thing to have, especially after a heavy rainstorm or flash flood when the chance for your basement or crawlspace to flood goes up dramatically. If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, or just want to have some peace of mind than a sump pump is a great thing to have around.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is typically installed below the floor of basements and crawlspaces with the goal being collecting excess water and pumping it back towards the surface before it has a chance to cause damage to the interior of your home. Without a sump pump, rainwater can collect underneath your home and cause major damage to the foundation and flooring over time. The pump collects the water that would be stagnant and pushes it forcefully back to the surface. While there still may be some minor cleanup to do after a flood, the sump pump will be able to do most of the heavy lifting.

Testing a Sump Pump

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Maintaining a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are designed to be low maintenance, so 3 – 4 times a year we would recommend running through the
checklist below to make sure your sump pump is operating in optimum condition.

Check the power cord and connection to make sure there is no corrosion or damage.

Pump Position

Look at the position of the pump and make sure it is sitting upright. During use, the pump can shift out of place because of vibrations coming from the motor.

Clean Out Grates

Clean the grate found at the bottom of the sump pit as it can get clogged up with debris.

Check Pipes

Check all the pipes surrounding your sump pump to ensure they are free of damage and watertight.

Run Test

Run a test and look for any areas where the flow of water is slow, as this could indicate a clog.

Common Sump Pump FAQS

A sump pump is a pump system typically located in a home’s basement. These pump systems prevent flooding in basements by pumping excess water from under and around your foundation out of the area to a safer spot for the water to be, typically someplace away from your foundation. You can drain it into your local sewer lines in some areas, but that’s not allowed in other areas.     
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There are four different types of sump pumps available. They include submersible sump pumps, pedestal sump pumps, battery-operated backup, and water-powered backup.
 
A submersible sump pump is a system that consists of a motor and pump all in one. This pump is typically located in a basin in the water table. Since it’s submerged in water, these pumps are usually quieter than some other options and help save space in crowded basements. A drawback of submersible sump pumps is that they may have a shorter lifespan than other pump systems.

A pedestal sump pump is a pump with a separate motor above the basin connected by a hose. The pump moves the water through the hose and out where designated. These sump pumps are typically louder but can last longer since they are more easily accessed for regular maintenance. They also take up more room.

A battery-operated backup works even when the power is out during or after a big storm. As the water rises, the float switch turns on the battery backup.

A water-powered backup works with increased water pressure. It means no worrying about batteries, but it can increase your water bill since it uses more water. Depending on where you live, you may not be eligible for a water-powered backup.

Not every basement has a sump pump, but sump pumps can be an excellent way to protect your investment in your home. Here are some conditions that you should consider adding a sump pump if you don’t already have one in your basement:    
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Your basement has flooded at least once in the past.

You live in an area, like Colorado Springs, where you often get large amounts of rain or snow.

Your local weather has been unpredictable lately, with more severe storms as the weather patterns change.

Your home is located below the local water table.

The soil surrounding your home has poor drainage.

You’ve recently made improvements to your basement that would be ruined if your basement flooded.
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If you currently have a sump pump, you may find that if it’s been around ten years or more since it was initially installed, it could be time to replace it before it fails to protect your home in the event of flooding in the future.

You’ve noticed that your sump pump is running, but it’s not currently raining. There are actually a few reasons why your sump pump runs without rain. A few of these reasons may be that there’s something wrong with your sump pump that needs to be fixed. These include:

  • There is a clogged drain line where the sump pump is trying to clear the water from the area but cannot because there is a blockage. This situation can be bad for your motor, so it should be addressed as soon as noticed.
  • A broken float switch may cause your sump pump to run when it’s not necessary. The switch makes the sump pump think it needs to continue to run. It needs to be manually adjusted. In some cases, you may need to use some WD-40 to loosen it up if it’s stuck in one position. If a simple fix doesn’t work, you may have to have it replaced.
  • Your pump is not working correctly is another reason why your sump pump may be running when it’s not raining.

There are some natural reasons why your sump pump is running without it raining outside, as well. These include:

  • The water table surrounding your home has risen. This event can happen during the change of the seasons if new construction has occurred in your area or for other reasons. Often, the water table will return to its original level.
  • Snowmelt can cause your sump pump to run without it raining. All of the water produced by the snow seeps into the ground. Some of it will be absorbed in your landscaping, but not all of it, so you may expect to see it keeping your pump running.

When in doubt, it can be good to have your sump pump examined to identify the underlying cause of it running when it’s not raining.