Basement floods aren’t on anybody’s bucket list, nonetheless, they are the most common occurrence in homes. Since the main symbols of our climate here in Canada are rain and snow, basement waterproofing, sump pumps and floods are frequent topics.
This is because rain and snow don’t make things much easier for the basement. In fact, they ensure that homeowners spend a ton of time and money on fixing flooding issues. One of the causes for those unwanted basement floods is an overflowing sump pump. Here is how to avoid this:
Preventative Measures
There are no warning signs for an overflowing sump pump. On top of that, we cannot look into the future, so your sump pump might overflow when you least expect. However, there are still some preventative measures which ensure the minimum possibility of this occurring.
Remove Debris
Just like in gutters, debris can get stuck in the sump pit and basin. Besides damaging workflow, debris build-up can create massive clogs which disrupt functionality. Regularly cleaning your sump pump will prevent massive clogs and disruptions from happening. Additionally, you can put a lid over the pump to get as less debris as possible.
Inspect Valves
Valves stop water from entering the sump pump again once it is pumped out. Backwater valves are especially useful when sewer water gets close enough to your home and try to enter through the sump pump. When this happens, the valves will shut the entrances and prevent an enormous disaster from happening.
But sometimes they aren’t installed correctly. This can be noticed in the position of the arrow. It should always be pointing away from the sump pump.
Sump Pump Alarm
A sump pump alarming system gives you notice about any unusual activity in the pump. Basically, it turns on after the water levels inside reach a certain “danger” point. When they reach this, it means that water isn’t pumped out and that it is reaching the surface. An alarm is the only way you can see into the future and prepare yourself for an overflow.
Clean Impeller
Sometimes we can notice weird noises in the sump pumps. In most situations, this indicates that the impeller is clogged. This tiny filter should be regularly cleaned or replaced. If not, the entire pump will stop working. You don’t want this happening during a storm since the entire basement will be filled with water that the sump pump won’t be able to pump out.
Backup Generator
During severe storms, there are usually power outages. Because most pumps work on electricity, this can damage the entire cycle and result in an overflow. To make sure that the sump pump keeps working even when electricity is out, install a backup generator. This generator will automatically turn on as soon as there is a power outage.
About Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing
Aquamaster Basement Waterproofing is your full-service plumbing and basement waterproofing company assisting the Greater Toronto Area residents. We offer services such as drain cleaning, basement waterproofing, sump pump installation, and more.
