Staying Ahead of the Game This Storm Season

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Benjamin Franklin astutely warned that “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” There's little doubt that preparation, in any aspect of life, is key to ensuring positive outcomes. When it comes to preventing residential storm flood damage, this holds especially true. Among the best things a savvy homeowner can do to avoid disaster is to make sure the sump pump is functioning properly.

How Can You Get Your Pump Game Ready?

The best time to carry out preventative maintenance is before the wet season. The following tips can help keep your pump in good shape:

• Test that the pump is working by pouring water into the sump basin. A functioning pump should turn on and drain the water away swiftly.
  
• Clean out debris from both the sump pit and the pump intake screen. Doing this will guarantee that the components within the pump remain unobstructed.
  
• Flush out the discharge pipe to safeguard against overexertion. Dirty pipes mean the sump pump must work overtime to drain the basin, increasing the risk of flooding.
  
• Test and replace the backup battery if necessary. During inclement weather, power outages become more likely. If your home loses power, the pump backup battery is crucial to keep the unit functioning.
  
• If the pump has a water sensor, check to see if it is working properly. To do so, consult the owner’s manual for recommended testing procedures.
  
  

What If That’s Not Enough?
Unfortunately, there will be times when all these preventative efforts are not enough. In high-risk circumstances, stay aware and be ready to act quickly in case your pump fails. While pump maintenance is relatively easy to perform, it is best to seek professional help when faced with a flooded basement or home. Water cleanup and restoration carried out by highly trained specialists can prevent more extensive and long-lasting damage to your property.
Storm season doesn’t have to be scary. Properly maintaining your sump pump throughout the year can help thwart potentially disastrous flooding at its roots. If flooding does occur, stay on top of the problem and contact a professional in Golden Glades, FL, to assist with heavier damage.