Make Sure Your Sump Pump is Spring Ready

Your trusty sump pump works hard after a big rainstorm to keep your basement nice and dry. In Minneapolis, your sump pump has to work extremely hard in the spring when all the snow melts.

During our last couple of springs, we’ve had major snowfall followed by an extreme temperature jump. This means your sump pump is working overtime with all the snow melting fast. Now is a great time to inspect your primary and secondary sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.

Make sure your sump pump is functioning properly and ready for the spring and summer rainfall by performing a simple inspection and test.

Inspect Your Sump Pump for Spring

Don’t wait to find out your sump pump needs repair or replacement when water is backing up into your basement. There are some warning signs, and a test you can perform that might tip you off before that happens.

Spend a couple of minutes looking over your sump pump for any issues before the spring and summer rains start to arrive.

Test Your Sump Pump

Perform a quick test of your sump pump by pouring a few gallons of water into your pit. Just make sure you add enough water to see the float raise or to reach the switch. Watch to see how your sump pump performs.

After you pour the water, watch to make sure the pump activates and starts working its magic. This should happen immediately after the water engages the float or switch.

If it doesn’t activate or struggles to start, there might be debris in the unit or the pump. Check for blockages. If you don’t see anything blocking the pump, then it might require repairs or a replacement.

Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Repair or Replacement

• Small amount of water in your basement
• Sump pump activates, and there’s excessive noise
• Rust on the unit itself
• The smell mold or mildew (an unpleasant smell) near the sump pump
• If you notice any of these signs or your sump pump is 10 years old (or older), you should consider a replacement.

Install a Backup Sump Pump

If you don’t have a backup sump pump, it’s essential you get one! If a severe thunderstorm knocks out power, you want your backup sump pump to run on batteries.

When you inspect your primary sump pump check over your secondary one as well to make sure it’s working properly following the same testing procedure. Repairs to your secondary sump pump now will reduce any stress or hassle later.

If you don’t have a secondary sump pump, now is the time to get one to make sure your house can handle the upcoming rainfall.

Sump Pump Repairs or Replacement

Don’t wait! One Hour Rooter is your trusted plumber in the Twin Cities Metro area. Call us at 612-354-8984 if you need help with your sump pump.