Winter Plumbing Maintenance: Sump Pumps
Sump pumps help home and property owners keep their basements and crawl spaces as dry as possible. During this time of year, many people still perform home improvements in the southeastern Pennsylvania region before colder winter weather sets in. This handy guide covers the top three reasons to add the sump pump to your home's winter maintenance and service schedule.
1. Buildup of dirt and debris
Every season, dirt and other types of debris naturally accumulate around and in the sump pump system because of its low position in the home. An experienced plumber can clean out this area to prevent intake and discharge pipe blockages that can overwork and overheat the system when you need the pump during a water buildup scenario.
During cleaning, they inspect the unit and pull it apart to remove debris on the impeller and intake screen. If they find ice, they can also make structural heating and insulation recommendations designed to improve the ambient temperature of the basement or crawl space. These recommendations can prevent future cold outdoor temperatures from creating ice buildup and clogs in the pump, pit or discharge pipe. For example, they might recommend increasing the basement room temperature or wrapping the discharge pipe with insulation.
2. Natural forces and pests
A sump pump can stop working for a variety of reasons during winter. In many cases, the unit has reached its end of life or has aged enough to cause one or more parts to stop working efficiently. Additionally, mice, rats and other animals seeking warmth indoors often chew wires. In many homes, the wires fray from simple deterioration of exterior casings and wear and tear from adults or children bending wires by hand or sliding wires out of the way by foot across a hard floor. An experienced plumber can inspect these areas, perform repairs, install replacements and make appropriate recommendations.
3. Wet winter weather
A sump pump must function well to pump excess water away from the structure. In winter, heavy rains or thawing ice and snow can cause water accumulation in the lowest levels of a home. Fluctuating outdoor temperatures and winter storms can potentially result in more moisture in your home at times in winter than during the strongest storms in summer. A professional plumber can inspect your property and determine whether the sump pump is ready to tackle a wet weather scenario. They might make recommendations designed to stop flooding and mold growth. For example, they might recommend repositioning the discharge pipe farther from your home to prevent water from backing up into the sump pit.
Experienced plumbers do more than clear clogs and fix leaky pipes. They are plumbing doctors who work to guarantee a healthy home. A plumbing team like the one at Allen's Plumbing Service has the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to provide maintenance and professional recommendations. For more home improvement tips, check out our TheHomeMag Facebook and Instagram pages.
