Preparing For The Spring Melt
How To Test Your Sump Pump
During the spring melt, it’s common for Canadian homes to flood.
Every year, countless homes will deal with water damage and pay thousands of dollars in damages and repairs.
Many of these homeowners have sump pumps and feel safe, not realizing that they’re in for an unpleasant surprise.
But if they have a sump pump, how do their homes flood?
Unfortunately, sump pumps don’t last forever. At one point or another, every sump pump will need a repair or a replacement. But many people only realize this when it’s too late.
How To Check Your Sump Pump
We recommend testing your sump pump periodically throughout the year. Ideally, you will test it before a wet season begins. We recommend testing before the spring melt and during summer and fall.
Locate your sump pump and remove the sump pit lid
Look inside and find the float valve that toggles the sump pump to start
Lift the float valve
After lifting the float valve, you should hear a noise like a hum. This hum means that your sump pump has kicked on.
If it doesn’t kick on, we recommend checking the circuit breaker. If the sump pump has power and is failing to kick on, you likely need a sump pump service or replacement.
If the sump pump kicked on when you lifted the float valve, go fill a 5-gallon bucket of water
Dump the bucket of water in the sump pit. It may take more than one bucket to activate your sump pump
If the sump pump kicks on, you can watch for the water level to go down
If the sump pump discharge is visible outside of your home, we recommend checking to make sure water is flowing out of it. This will indicate whether or not you have a clog in the line
If your sump pump kicks on and water flows out of the discharge line, your sump pump system is working!
Remember to keep the sump pit free of debris to avoid clogging the discharge line. If you see anything floating, you can skim it from the top and throw it out.
To discover more on the full range of services offered by our Ottawa-based John the Plumber, please call our offices today at 613-227-7465 or visit our business website at johntheplumber.ca