As winter ends and the snow melts, a lot of water seeps into the ground. This can cause flooding in basements if your home isn’t prepared. One of the best ways to keep your basement dry is by making sure your sump pump is working properly. A good sump pump can help prevent water damage, protect your home’s foundation, and save you money on costly repairs. In this blog, we’ll go over why sump pumps are important during the spring thaw, common problems they might have, and how to keep yours running smoothly.
Why Your Sump Pump is Important in Spring
When the snow melts and heavy spring rains arrive, the ground gets full of water. If there’s too much water, it can start to leak into basements. That’s where your sump pump comes in—it pumps out extra water and keeps your basement from flooding. If your sump pump isn’t working when you need it most, your home could suffer serious water damage.
Common Sump Pump Problems
Homeowners in Hamilton, Niagara, and Burlington should watch out for these sump pump issues, especially in the spring:
- Power Outages – Sump pumps run on electricity, so if the power goes out, they stop working.
- Overworked Pump – If your sump pump is too small for your home, it may struggle to keep up with all the water.
- Blocked Drain Pipes – Dirt, ice, or leaves can clog the pipe that carries water away, stopping it from draining properly.
- Stuck Float Switch – If the float switch gets stuck, the pump won’t turn on when water starts to rise.
- Old or Worn-Out Pump – Sump pumps don’t last forever. If yours is old, it might not work as well as it should.
How to Keep Your Sump Pump Working
To make sure your sump pump is ready for spring, follow these simple steps:
- Test Your Pump – Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and check if the pump turns on and drains the water.
- Check the Power – Make sure the sump pump is plugged in. A backup battery system can help if the power goes out.
- Clear the Drain Line – Check for clogs and remove anything blocking the pipe that carries water away from your house.
- Keep the Pump Clean – Get rid of dirt and debris that can stop the pump from working properly.
- Get a Backup Pump – A second sump pump can help if your main one fails or there’s extra water during heavy rain.
- Have a Plumber Inspect It – A professional can check your sump pump and make sure it’s in good shape before spring flooding starts.
Keep Your Home Safe from Spring Flooding
Spring thaw can bring a lot of unexpected water, and the last thing you want is a flooded basement. Homeowners in Hamilton, Niagara, and Burlington should check their sump pumps now before it’s too late. If you’re not sure if your sump pump is working right, a professional can inspect, fix, or replace it to help keep your home safe and dry.
If you need sump pump maintenance or a new installation in Hamilton, Niagara or Burlington, contact Arscott Plumbing and Heating Inc., your trusted local plumbing expert, today!