Sump Pump Services in Fallbrook, California

For a home that’s prone to heavy rainfall, a sump pump becomes crucial to a home’s construction. If you’ve ever experienced a flooded basement, you know how important it is to have a working sump pump to protect your home. Even though some units operate very rarely, they still need to be ready to function whenever water levels begin to rise.

The need is not limited to parts of the country that see a lot of rain. Before the spring thaw and the beginning of the rainy season, have your sump pump inspected and serviced.

How do sump pumps work?

The purpose of a sump pump is to redirect excess groundwater out of your home and away from its foundation. Typically, they are placed at the lowest part of your home’s basement/crawl space, which is where the groundwater gravitates. The motor turns on automatically in the presence of water, and the pump directs the water out of the home through a drainage pipe.

A unit that is broken will not be able to move water away from the home and this water may end up causing flood in the basement. When the it cannot do its function effectively then you may get extensive water damage in your home.

If you’re concerned about your unit’s effectiveness, a professional can come and inspect it or tell you about the latest replacement models. Some units are made to perform without electrical power, so your stuff will be under protection in any case. A professional can help inspect the pipes that lead away from the sump pump to make sure they’re diverting water away like they’re supposed to. They will replace or repair any leaky pipes to guarantee your home’s foundation is secure even in the worst of storms.

Don’t wait until it starts to pour to worry about having your sump pump serviced. With a big storm headed your way, you’ll breathe easier knowing your sump pump can handle the challenge. Your sump pump’s efficiency may not be something you give much thought to, but it provides essential protection for your home when water levels are high.

What are the signs you need a sump pump service?

When you have standing water in your crawlspace this is a huge cause for concern. A pool of water may form from a burst or leaky pipe. If these were ruled out, however, it might be time to check the sump pump. The purpose of it is to drain any excess water away from your house, but if it’s not working well, water can seep through small gaps or cracks around the foundation.

Another way you can determine if your basement has a water issue is to tape a 2 sq. ft. piece of plastic material to a hard surface down there, and then after a few days have passed, check it to see if any condensation has collected underneath the plastic. Depending on the square footage of the basement or crawl space, additional squares may need to be set up throughout the area. If water does form on the plastic you set up, then there is excess moisture making its way into your space. Such signs will require you to have your unit serviced.

Sump Pump Maintenance

There are some things that homeowners can do, without a service call, to make sure their unit is working and can keep their home dry during a storm. It may sound obvious, but first, make sure that the sump pump is plugged in and that the wires are intact. Another thing that they need to do is to clear the grate of rocks and other materials that may be there. Make sure that the pump is in its fully upright position when you put it back in place or the float arm may not be able to detect the presence of water and activate the pump.

A homeowner can put some water into the pit to see its reaction and power. If it drains very slowly or not at all, it could be the right time for a professional to make a service call. After the pit there has been drained, then the drainage pipes would also need to be checked for leaks and repaired if they have some.

There should be no debris or any obstruction in the discharge pipe. One should also ensure that the backup pumps that one has bought are working.