Submersible Pump Care Tips for Homeowners
If your home is prone to suffering moisture and flooding problems in the basement, a submersible pumping system can be an excellent way of minimizing the damage that this problem can cause. Yet, homeowners will frequently have limited experience when it comes to utilizing these systems, and this can expose them to a much higher risk of problems striking the system. If you have recently acquired a submersible pump system for your home, you will want to use some basic tips in order to keep the pump efficiently removing water from your basement.
Perform Monthly Tests of the Pumping System
Due to the fact that the submersible pump will be an automatic system, you can go days or weeks without giving much thought to it. However, a submersible pump will need to be tested every month to make sure that it is working as intended. It can be possible for mechanical problems with these systems to arise, and you may not notice them until severe water damage has occurred. Testing the pump system each month will allow you to have any problems repaired before water exposure causes severe damage to the basement. To test this system, you will simply pour a bucket of water down the floor drain. If the pump is working as intended, it should activate automatically so that this water can be removed.
Keep the Grates Clean and Clear
A series of drain tiles will need to be installed so that water from the basement can enter this system. These tiles can become clogged, which can prevent water from being able to drain out of your basement. If you notice that some of the holes in the grate are clogged, a small screwdriver can be perfect for removing these blockages. You may be able to help prevent these clogs from forming by cleaning the grates with soap and a de-greaser. There can be numerous sticky substances on your floor that can get on the grate. These substances will trap dirt and other debris, and this will cause these clogs to form more rapidly. By using a de-greaser, you can remove these sticky residues before they lead to problems.
Install a Backup Power Source
Strong storms can be extremely disruptive to life in your home as they may lead to power outages and they can increase the risk of the basement flooding. This can be a particularly bad combination for a submersible pump as these systems will require electricity to function. If the power fails during a heavy rainstorm, your basement could suffer extensive flood damage before the power is restored and the pump resumes functioning. By installing a backup power source, you can ensure that your basement's submersible pump continues to work during these events so that your basement is kept as safe as possible.
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