September might be the beginning of fall, but Maryland homeowners are not quite past the season of heavy rain and strong storms. Tropical systems and thunderstorms can still bring a lot of water in a short amount of time, and that can put your home’s drainage and plumbing systems to the test.
For those who have basements or crawl spaces in their homes, this is the perfect time to inspect the sump pump. Chances are the sump pump has been working for months now and dealing with the spring and summer rains. You do not want to realize there is something wrong when the rain has already started falling.
A brief inspection at this time will give you the chance to fix any minor issue before the next storm comes through.
Test Your Sump Pump Before You Need It
The easiest way to find out whether your sump pump is ready is to test it.
Pour a few buckets of water into the sump pit, waiting for the float to rise and activate the pump. Observe how it handles the draining of the water. Ideally, the pump will activate properly, drain the water from the pit, and turn off after the water level decreases.
Listen to its operation during this process. Any unusual sounds, such as grinding or rattling, may indicate issues with the pump. Pay special attention if it runs continuously, cycles repeatedly, or has difficulty lowering the water level.
If the pump fails to activate at all, this is something you want to address before the next rainstorm hits.
While testing the pump, take a moment to examine it, too. Sump pumps do not last forever, and an older pump may be more likely to fail when it is working hard. If your pump has been in operation for many years or you do not remember when it was last replaced, it may be time for a professional evaluation.
Do Not Forget About a Power Outage
Your first sump pump will be useless if the power goes out while ground water is flowing into the pit. In cases where basement flooding is a concern, using a battery backup or another system can offer an extra level of safety.
If you have a battery backup system already, test it as well. Your backup system will not work if the battery is not charged or the system isn’t working properly.
Not sure if your system provides sufficient safety from floods? We can assist in figuring out whether your house needs a backup sump pump or another solution.
Make Sure the Water Has Somewhere to Go
A working sump pump is only part of the equation. The water it removes still needs somewhere to go.
Inspect the sump pump discharge line that runs outside your home and ensure that it is free of obstructions such as leaves, dirt, landscaping, among others. It should also be free from damage or disconnections.
Your downspouts deserve a quick look, too. They should be clear and direct rainwater away from your foundation rather than dumping it right next to the house. Preparing your home for heavy rainfall helps reduce the risk of water problems.
It is also worth looking at the ground around your foundation. Ideally, water should flow away from your home. If the ground slopes toward the foundation, heavy rain can send water back toward the house even when your sump pump is working properly.
While you are outside, look for obvious cracks or openings around the foundation and basement that could allow water to get inside. Catching these potential entry points before a major storm gives you more time to address them.
Check Your Basement Plumbing and Drains
If you have basement floor drains, make sure they are free of obvious obstructions. Take note of drainage issues, backups, strange smells, or water in places where it shouldn’t be.
Although these issues might not be directly the result of the storm, increased rainfall will highlight existing drainage problems. A drain that is already having trouble functioning will likely have a hard time coping with the excess water that has been brought into your home.
Also, take a minute to check any exposed pipes in your basement. You’ll want to take note of any leaks, corrosion, damp areas, or anything else that indicates there is a problem.
Look for Signs of Water Before the Next Storm
Take a few minutes to look around your basement or crawl space for damp areas, water stains, musty odors, or signs of previous seepage. If you have noticed water collecting near a floor drain or another low point, make a note of it.
These signs can point to a problem that goes beyond the sump pump itself. If your basement has flooded before, September is a good time to figure out why. Your sump pump may need attention, but there could also be drainage, grading, or plumbing issues that need to be addressed separately.
Taking steps to keep floodwater out of your home helps reduce the chance of the same problem happening during the next heavy storm.
September Is a Good Time for a Checkup
You do not need to wait for a hurricane warning to think about storm preparation.
By September, your home has already been through months of rain, thunderstorms, heat, and humidity. Your sump pump has had plenty of opportunities to show signs of wear, and small drainage problems may have developed around your home.
That makes early fall a practical time to take stock.
Test the sump pump. Check the discharge line and downspouts. Look for signs of moisture in the basement. Check your drains and exposed plumbing. If you have a backup system, make sure it is ready, too.
It is much easier to deal with a problem on a dry afternoon than in the middle of a downpour.
Do Not Wait Until the Water Starts Rising
Storm preparation does not have to mean a long list of complicated projects. Sometimes, the most useful thing you can do is make sure the systems you already rely on are working properly.
Your sump pump, discharge line, drainage, and plumbing all play a role in keeping water where it belongs. A short inspection now can help you catch a problem before it turns into an emergency.
If your sump pump is not working properly, you are dealing with repeated basement water, or you have plumbing or drainage concerns, Putman Plumbing can help.
Contact us to have your sump pump or plumbing system checked before the next heavy rain hits.