| Many homeowners treat their sump pump | | | | too high. In fact, some alarms can even be |
| systems like a "install it and forget it" project. In | | | | hooked up to home security systems! This gives |
| other words, they're willing to have the work | | | | you time to respond to the problem before it |
| done to install the system in the first place, but | | | | gets out of hand - even if you're not home. |
| after they've seen it keep the basement dry | | | | One of the first things a technician will do is check |
| through a rainstorm or two, they don't think of it | | | | the batteries on your sump pump and battery |
| again unless they find their basement has flooded. | | | | backup alarm. He'll also check the charge on your |
| But did you install a basement waterproofing | | | | battery backup to make sure it's still ready to |
| system to delay when your basement would | | | | keep the battery backup pumping. This way, |
| flood next, or did you install it because you want | | | | you're still protected if there's a power outage, |
| your basement dry all the time? | | | | blown fuse, accidentally unplugged system, or any |
| If it Aint' Broke, Don't Fix it | | | | other waterproofing catastrophe. |
| Some see this old phrase as a timeless piece of | | | | Smooth Operator |
| wisdom. But how will you know when the sump | | | | Think of your sump pump system like you would |
| pump IS broken? Unfortunately, you won't know | | | | any other appliance in your home: it's mechanical |
| until the basement actually floods. | | | | and has moving parts. Sooner or later, it's going |
| An unserviced sump pump with a flood alarm will | | | | to break down. |
| not sound if it floods. Why not? Because the | | | | To keep it running smoothly, it should be checked |
| alarms on the sump pumps have batteries with | | | | for clogs, dirt, and debris. Sump pumps with |
| limited lifespans. If these batteries are never | | | | screens can easily clog, and floating debris can |
| replaced, they will stop working. | | | | jam float switches. In many cases (especially |
| Has it been several years since your system has | | | | when a system is installed without a liner), the |
| been serviced? | | | | entire sump pit can simply fill with mud, forcing |
| Check your Batteries & Alarms | | | | the sump to clog and burn out. |
| If your system fails, and the basement is about | | | | Once the sump pump and liner have been cleaned |
| to flood, you'll want to know right away. Luckily, | | | | of all mud, the system should be flood-tested to |
| high-quality modern sump pumps include alarms | | | | ensure all drains and discharge pipes are working |
| that sound off when the battery backup sump | | | | properly. |
| pump is running and when the water level rises | | | | |