Is Your Sump Pump Ready for Spring?

December 17, 2023


We all know how the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers. But what else do April showers bring? In our experience, that answer is easy— flooding. And a flooded basement can be a homeowner’s nightmare. But don’t fret—there is good news! For homeowners who experience excessive flooding near their homes, a sump pump can be a great solution to prevent unwanted water damage.

What Is a Sump Pump?

First things first, what is a sump pump? A sump pump is a device that removes water from your basement to protect your home from flooding. It is located in the basement in a hole called a sump pit and detects when water levels get too high. When they do, a switch in the pump is activated and starts the process of removing water from your basement to the outside of your home (typically to a street drain, but it could go to a creek or pond nearby, too). If you already have a sump pump in your home, that’s great! But remember, just because your sump pump may be out of sight doesn’t mean it should be out of mind—especially during spring when excessive rain and flooding can occur. To ensure that your sump pump is ready for wet weather, here are some things to keep in mind.

Be Sump Pump Ready!

Just as you have your air conditioning and heating checked each year, your sump pump requires annual maintenance as well. Blue Dot can help in this area. In addition to maintenance, there are other things our plumbers at Blue Dot can do to help when you have sump pump trouble. These include:

  • Check that your sump pump is the correct size
  • Double-check the installation to ensure it’s in the right spot and deep enough
  • Ensure that the discharge line is not blocked
  • Ensure that the float switch is working properly

Of course, as a homeowner, there are things you can do yourself to maintain your sump pump. We recommend cleaning and inspecting your sump pump every few months, just to be sure everything is in good working order. Some things you can do:

  • Check for leaks
  • Take notice of any mud or water around the sump pump
  • Listen for any strange noises coming from the sump pump

Problem? Feel free to call Blue Dot for service should you notice any problems during these checks. You can also run a sump pump test by pouring about five gallons of water into your sump pump pit. As the water level rises it should raise the float and activate the device to start pumping water out. If it does, great! This indicates everything is working properly.

Blue Dot Is Here for All Your Plumbing Needs!

Whether it’s your sump pump, a clogged drain, a plumbing repair or even a water heater issue, Blue Dot is here to help! Give our team a call today at 410.698.4938 to schedule your plumbing appointment. We look forward to providing you with excellent service.

Last Updated: December 17, 2023