Sump Pumps and Battery Backups
Even an inch of water in your basement can lead to thousands of dollars of damage. The potential for for long term costs rise when you factor in the risk of mold and mildew growth. With today’s finished basements, a dependable battery backup that is maintained regularly is absolutely critical in your home. Be prepared. If there is any risk of your home’s basement flooding, let Ryan Plumbing’s Twin Cities plumbers install a reliable battery backup system to your home’s sump pump before the next storm.
Will your sump pump work during the next storm?
If the power goes out, your sump pump stops working too. This is an important issue to consider. Heavy storms that pose a risk of flooding usually cause power failures too. With a battery backup, your sump pump can keep pumping water throughout the day until the power returns. Ryan Plumbing can help by installing a battery backup sump pump that works during power outages and other emergency situations. Protect your home, call us today! Saint Paul area: 651-224-4771 • Minneapolis area: 612-927-6488
Testing your sump pump
According to the NDSU Extension, Here’s how to test whether your sump pump is operating properly:
• Make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen shut or plugged and that it directs water away from the house.
• Unplug the sump pump.
• Remove the lid (if the sump has one). Use a flashlight to check if the sump is clean and that the pump intake is not plugged.
– For pedestal pumps, the intake is on the top of the pedestal in the water.
– For submersible pumps, the intake screen is just below the motor.
• Make sure the pump is plugged in.
• Remove the sump’s lid (if it has one). Use a flashlight to see whether the sump is clean and the pump outlet isn’t plugged.
• Slowly pour about 5 gallons of water into the sump.
• Watch the on/off switch’s action and listen to the pump.
• Make the pump turn on and off at least twice.
If your sump pump is not working properly or if you would prefer to have us inspect your pump for you, call Ryan Plumbing today! Saint Paul area: 651-224-4771 • Minneapolis area: 612-927-6488
Is your sump pump properly discharging?
According to the NDSU Extension, Homeowners should not pump the water into their septic system or basement floor drain. Pumping into the floor drain is illegal in many cities. It puts additional water into a city’s sanitary sewer system and can overtax it. The additional water also can damage septic systems. The pump should discharge sump water at least 20 feet from your home. Tthe water should drain away from the house. Make sure the water doesn’t run into window wells, a septic system drain field or a neighbor’s lot. If your sump pump is not draining correctly or if you would like one of Ryan Plumbing’s professionals to inspect it, call us today! Saint Paul area: 651-224-4771 • Minneapolis area: 612-927-6488