There are many surprises that can pop up when you purchase a new home. Some are a headache but some can provide you with peace of mind. If you have purchased a home that already has a sump pump installed, here are the top 10 things you should know:
1. They are a Great Tool for Your Home
Sump pumps are a fantastic precautionary tool to have in your home. No one enjoys waking up to a flooded basement. Investing in a sump pump can save you time and repair expenses when the rain pours outside. If you are purchasing a home that already has a sump pump installed gets you one step ahead, but maintenance and inspections should be performed ASAP – as we will discuss in more detail below.
2. What Does a Sump Pump Do?
A sump pump is used to “pump” water out of your basemen. They are especially beneficial to those who live in areas with frequent flooding or in rainy areas. Typically, they are built in a pit or basin in the basement floor, then when the water reaches a certain level, it is pumped out and away from the home to a safe distance. BDB Foundation Repair offers sump pump services in Omaha.
3. Have Your Sump Pump Inspected
If you are inheriting a sump pump unit with a new home, you will want it to inspected by a professional to ensure that it is working properly. Unless the prior owner left detailed notes, you may not know the age of the unit or the last time regular maintenance was performed.
4. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Sump Pump
Regular maintenance on sump pumps are essential to extending the life of the unit and ensuring they are working properly. Some sump pumps can last for up to 15 years as long as they’re maintained properly. Regularly maintaining your sump pump includes cleaning it, checking the valve, cleaning the filter, and testing it at least once a year.
5. Invest in Battery Backups
In the event that your home experiences a power outage during a severe rain storm, you will need to ensure that your sump pump continues to work to prevent your basement from flooding. You will want to invest in a battery backup system for your sump pump. That way, if your electricity goes out, your battery backup can power your sump pump to keep it working and prevent basement flooding. When BDB Foundation Repair installs a sump pump system, we include a high-water sump pump alarm that will notify you if the pump stops working. We also add a check valve, which prevents water from the sump line from draining back into the sump basin after the water has already been discharged from the home.
6. Regularly Test Your Sump Pump
You will want to periodically test your sump pump to ensure that it is functioning properly and that all the parts are still working. At BDB Foundation Repair, we can provide sump pump maintenance service.
BDB uses tough, reliable sump pumps in all of our basement and crawlspace systems. Our sump pumps use cast iron or stainless steel construction (depending on pump series used), and are continuous duty rated for worry-free operation. Our sump pumps are also highly energy-efficient, using up to 172% less energy than conventional pumps, and come with a no-hassle, three-year warranty on all systems.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While homeowners can perform basic sump pump testing and cleaning, some situations require professional attention. If your sump pump frequently stops working, runs continuously, makes unusual noises, or fails during heavy rainfall, it should be inspected by a qualified technician.
A professional can identify hidden issues, recommend repairs, and determine whether replacing the sump pump is the best long-term solution. Prompt service helps protect your basement from unnecessary water damage.
How to Extend the Life of Your Sump Pump
Regular inspections and routine maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of your sump pump. Cleaning the sump pit, checking the float switch, inspecting the discharge pipe, and testing the system several times each year help ensure reliable performance. Keeping debris out of the basin and scheduling professional maintenance when needed also reduces wear on the pump. Most quality sump pumps provide years of dependable service when properly maintained and operated under normal conditions.
Questions about installing a sump pump?
When it comes to maintaining or installing a sump pump in your home, there’s no one you can trust quite like BDB Foundation Repair. Contact BDB Foundation Repair at 402-779-3165 or use the contact form on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sump pump do?
A sump pump removes excess water from a basement or crawl space and helps prevent flooding, moisture buildup, mold growth, and foundation damage during heavy rain.
How often should a sump pump be replaced?
Most sump pumps last around 7 to 10 years depending on usage, maintenance, and water exposure. Regular inspections help ensure the system works properly.
What are signs that a sump pump is failing?
Common signs include unusual noises, constant cycling, vibration, slow drainage, visible rust, or the pump failing to remove water during storms.
Do sump pumps need regular maintenance?
Yes, sump pumps should be cleaned and tested regularly to remove debris, check the float switch, and ensure the discharge line is working correctly.
Is a battery backup sump pump necessary?
A battery backup sump pump helps protect your basement during power outages, especially during severe storms when flooding risks are highest.