Basement flooding being a concern for many Edmonton properties, it’s important to have a sump pump installed to prevent costly damage. If you are one of the many homeowners who have already invested in a sump pump installation service, you would be even wiser to get a sump pump inspection. Edmonton homeowners can make sure their sump pump is discharging water away from the foundation of their home by hiring a skilled plumber for a comprehensive visual inspection, thorough cleaning, and a professionally conducted test.
Keep on reading to learn more about everything you need to know about our expert sump pump inspections. Edmonton plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton are happy to help with your plumbing needs.
Hire a Professional Plumber for Your Sump Pump Inspection: Edmonton
If you have a sump pump installed on your residential property, it’s your responsibility to maintain it, as the city will not respond to calls regarding sump pump malfunctions and basement seepage as a result. That’s why it’s crucial to call a licensed and insured plumber for regular maintenance and a sump pump inspection. Edmonton residents can prevent costly damages when they get regular service from experienced plumbing pros, as they can catch signs of malfunction early on. Professionals can also perform any needed sump pump repair services on the spot whenever they detect any issues upon inspection.
How Often is Edmonton Sump Pump Maintenance Needed?
You should reach out for a sump pump inspection at least once a year to prolong the life of your unit and prevent sump pump failure. If your pump is cycling more frequently due to regular rain and snow, you are at risk of flooding or clogging the unit, which is why you could benefit from inspections even more frequently than once a year, or even consider installing a separate backup sump pump.
The Process for Sump Pump Inspection Service
We inspect, clean, and test the sump pump during its annual checkup to catch any plumbing issues early on, saving homeowners both time and money. Whether you have a submersible, pedestal, or backup sump pump system, we are equipped with all the knowledge and tools to properly care for your unit and protect your home from flooding. Here is a bit more about our sump pump inspection process:
Checking the Power Source & Dedicated Outlet
A good way to start a sump pump inspection is to check that the power supply and outlet are in proper working order. This rules out any electrical malfunctions, a crucial component needed for the whole system to function. Sump pumps must be plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (otherwise known as a GFCI outlet), so if this is not already the case, hiring an electrician for further upgrades will be necessary.
Removing Pit Lid & Inspecting Sump Pump
It’s important to check the entire unit visually to see if any parts are broken, not properly installed, corroded, or dirty. To do this, we will remove the sump pit lid to expose the sump pump and inspect the float switch, pump, and discharge pipe for any signs of damage. We will also ensure the pump is properly leveled, as tilted units result in faulty performance and even improper activation of the pump.
Detecting Clogs & Sump Pump Cleaning
The next step is to check for clogs, debris buildup, or damage to the discharge line to ensure water is able to flow away from your home. We will clean your discharge pipes regardless of whether any clogs are present to clear away sediment or other small particles that have collected in the pipe. We will also clean the sump pit basin, inlet screen, and impeller.
Performing a Sump Pump Test
To ensure your sump pump system is operating without any issues, we will test it to see if the float switch is functioning properly, the pump activates at the right water level, and the water is clearing the backfill zone of your home's foundation. To do this, we will fill the basin with water and evaluate its performance.
Factors to Consider During Sump Pump Inspection: Edmonton
During the sump pump inspection, our team can make helpful recommendations and upgrades based on the setup of your current sump pump. We will look for the following components, and if any are absent, we can help install their new features:
- A backup power supply
- A check valve on the discharge pipe
- An alarm or alert
Ways to Maintain Your Sump Pump Between Plumbing Inspections
To protect your home from flooding, there are a couple of things to do in between professional sump pump services, including:
- Inspect the area in the sump pit where the pump sits to ensure there isn’t any sand/gravel that can get drawn into the pump’s impeller (usually at the bottom of the pump).
- The the pump regularly to ensure it is operating properly.
Sump pumps are mechanical devices that will all fail eventually, and some are of higher quality than others. That said, if you don’t test your pump, you’ll find out that it has failed the hard way. If you do test your pump, hopefully, you will find out it has failed with time to spare before your basement floods.
When to Replace Your Sump Pump
While you can prolong the lifespan of your sump pump by seeking regular maintenance and inspections from our team, inevitably, you will eventually need to replace your pump. On average, sump pumps are designed to last for roughly 10 years. You should consider replacement around that 10-year mark, although poor quality pumps often last much less. That being said, when you get service from our plumbing experts, we do our best to find solutions to preserve your existing sump pump for years to come, so we use replacement as a last resort option.
Call us today to schedule sump pump maintenance or a replacement service with our team.
Get Quality Sump Pump Inspection & Maintenance in Edmonton by Calling Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today!
Protect your home from water damage and unexpected plumbing issues by calling us today for expert Edmonton sump pump repair, maintenance, or inspection plumbing services. If you don’t already have a sump pump and are experiencing mould growth or moisture issues in your basement, our skilled team can install a sump pump for you.
Whether you’re in Edmonton or the nearby areas of Sherwood Park, St. Albert, or Riverbend, feel free to schedule a service today!
