The arrival of spring yields melting snow mounds, increased rainfall, wet soil, and at times, basement flooding, regardless of if you have a sump pump or not. If you have a sump pump installed in the basement of your home or business, spring may be a good time to schedule a sump pump maintenance check to make sure it is ready for both May showers and spontaneous summer downpours.

What You’ll Receive from McHale’s Sump Pump Maintenance

Spring can mean rain, rain, and then more rain, especially during this time of year and the amount of rain that’s in the forecast. That is why it is important to be prepared with a sump pump and to make sure to schedule a sump pump maintenance check in case you think something is wrong with it. No one wants to deal with a flooded basement which is why our plumbers are readily available to handle all concerns you might have for your sump pump and plumbing fixtures. If you want to avoid future damages and expenses, don’t hesitate to call the experts at McHale’s, who will be more than happy to help and save you money and time with efficient and high-quality service. 

Why You Should Check your Sump Pump This Spring

Sump pumps are devices typically installed in the basement of a building to prevent flooding by monitoring and controlling water levels below the foundation. In both submersible pumps, which operate underwater in a sump well, and pedestal pumps, which operate above the sump well, built up water activates afloat once it reaches a certain level in the basin. The float signals the sump pump to turn on and begin pumping the water from the basin. While submersible pumps and pedestal pumps are the two most common types of sump pumps in residential homes, other types of less common pumps include floor sucker pumps, which expel water from a flooded floor, and water-powered pumps, which work within a building’s existing plumbing to disperse water. While all of these types of sump pumps vary in their makeup and parts, they are all comprised of several complicated components including motors, floats, float rods, sump tanks, check valves, discharge lines, backup batteries, electrical outlets, and more. An issue in any of these individual parts can cause a sump pump to malfunction or not work as effectively as it should. While sump pumps are reliable in preventing flooding in most cases, they can still be susceptible to occasional issues including electrical failures, stuck switches, overworked pumps, or clogged or frozen pipes. If your sump pump is not working properly, it could be as good as not having a sump pump at all. Faulty sump pump maintenance could lead to flooding and subsequent damage to a structure and its contents. This damage could cost the property owner thousands of dollars in repairs, in addition to increasing flood insurance premiums. Moisture in the basement can also cause mold and mildew, which can be unsightly, hazardous to health, and expensive to remove. Cold, long winters especially can wreak havoc on and cause damage to mechanical items including sump pumps. After months of being in cold basements, sump pumps may not be ready to perform to capacity come spring. To avoid the possibility of undesirable spring flooding, you should conduct a sump pump maintenance check every so often, especially during this time of year. Below are some of the sump pump warning signs to look out for in the spring.

Spring Warning Signs

There is moisture in the basement: An influx of water after snow melt and increased rainfall can be too much for a sump pump that has been sitting idle all winter to handle. The presence of water in a basement is an obvious sign that a sump pump is not working correctly and needs to be inspected.

You notice a funny smell in your basement: An unusual odor in the area of the sump pump or your basement could indicate a presence of moisture-related mold or mildew. Moisture in the basement, of course, could indicate your sump pump is not working properly and needs to be checked out.

The sump pump is making unusual noises: It is normal for some sump pumps to make noise as they are functioning, but hearing noises that are especially loud or out of the ordinary is usually an indicator that something is wrong with your pump.

Your sump pump is running too often: If it seems like your sump pump is turning on and off frequently, or staying on for long periods of time, there may be too much water for your pump to handle. During the spring, rainfall and groundwater accumulation increases, which can add extra strain to your sump pump.

A professional will be able to locate, diagnose, and fix the issue within your sump pump. He or she may replace a part, replace the entire system, or install a secondary backup pump to accommodate rainfall demands. Sump pumps can experience these issues at any point in their lifespans of approximately ten years. Experts recommend sump pump maintenance at least annually and especially in the spring before rainfall becomes more frequent. So schedule a spring inspection today to ensure your sump pump is ready to serve you through spring rainfall and beyond.

Stay up to date with your sump pump and call McHale’s Plumbing for sump pump maintenance and stay ahead of the spring season!

By McHales

So you’ve just schedule a sump pump installation. Your basement is fully protected from flooding and you no longer have to worry or think about what is going on in the lower level of your home or business — not quite! Sump pumps are vital to keeping your basement from flooding and can provide long term protection without any issues, but they are also very complicated devices whose owners should know what to expect throughout their lifespans.

Why You Should Choose McHale’s for Sump Pump Installation

Many people have a sump pump installation in the basement of their home or business, yet do not understand how it works or how to properly monitor and care for it. That is why it is important to call McHale’s to handle your sump pump installation. When you contact us, not only are you receiving the service it needs but you will also save on the unnecessary time, money, and frustration spent on repairing a flooded basement. It is valuable for you to learn the ins and outs of your sump pump installation, so it can run as efficiently as possible for as long as possible. With McHale’s, you can ensure that you will receive high-quality and efficient service with our experienced and well-trained plumbers and technicians. 

Here’s What You Can Expect from Your New Sump Pump

Types: Your sump pump will be one of the several types currently on the market. Submersible pumps are located inside a sump well and as its title indicates, can operate underwater. Pedestal pumps, which tend to be louder and less popular than submersible pumps, operate outside of the sump well. Other, less common types of sump pumps include floor sucker pumps, which remove water from a floor’s surface, and water-powered pumps, which are incorporated into a structure’s plumbing to control water. 

How it works: Simply put, sump pumps are installed to prevent flooding in structures. During periods of significant rainfall, snowmelt or other wetness, water can accumulate quickly and flood basements in that area. Both submersible pumps and pedestal pumps work to prevent this flooding by using a float. When water reaches a certain point in the sump well, a float prompts the sump pump to turn on and start removing the water before it floods the structure.

Parts and features: While different types and models will have different parts, each sump pumps installation is a product of several intricate parts and features all with a role contributing to flooding prevention.  Some of these parts include motors, floats, float rods, sump tanks, check valves, discharge lines, backup batteries, electrical outlets, and many others. Sump pumps are also equipped with several features designed to reinforce the system and prevent flooding even in the worst-case-scenario. Backup batteries ensure the sump pump will continue to function, even if there is a power outage that prevents the pump from working through standard electricity. The water level alarms sound when the water in the sump pit, exceeds the top of the pump, signaling the property owner to take further action to prevent the basement from flooding. Sump liners prevent a sump pit from becoming clogged and check valves prevent expelled water from returning back into the sump pit.

Common Mishaps with Sump Pump Installation 

Sump pump installation can be saviors when it comes to basement waterproofing, but they aren’t without their issues. As the systems work hard while being exposed to the elements, they can have occasional mechanical issues. Some of the most common problems include electrical failures, clogged pipes, stuck switches, damage from an overworked pump, a rare product defect, or improper installation.

Warning signs: There are some signs that indicate something is wrong with your sump pump installation. If you hear an unusual noise coming from your sump pump, it could be a sign of an overworked engine or a broken part. Similarly, if your sump pump is turning on often, or staying on for long periods of time, it is likely working too hard. The presence of a strange smell in the basement could mean that unwanted moisture caused mold or mildew growth. And of course, if you see water in your basement, it’s a clear indicator that your sump pump is not performing well. You should pay close attention to these warnings so you can call a professional to inspect your device before it fails and your basement floods.

Replacements: If you do have a failing sump pump, there are some options for ensuring your basement is fully flood-proof once again. A professional will be able to inspect your sump pump and determine what it needs. It can be a quick repair or part replacement, or an entire system replacement. In some cases, the professional may decide it is best to install a secondary sump pump to back up and reinforce the first.

Lifespan: When you live in a house for decades, it might seem unusual how often you have to replace your sump pump. Because they run on a motor and are susceptible to wear and tear, the normal life span of a sump pump is only about ten years. They can last longer or shorter, depending on how much use they actually get, and several other factors. Because of this, experts recommend sump pump inspections at least annually, and more frequently as it gets older.

If at any point you need assistance, call McHale’s for care and maintenance on your new sump pump installation!

By McHales