Sump Pump Maintenance Tips for Portland Homeowners

For Portland, ME homeowners with basements or crawlspaces, a functioning sump pump is critical for preventing costly flood damage. These hardworking systems are designed to continuously pump out any groundwater that accumulates around the home's foundation before it can seep inside.

However, sump pumps require routine sump pump maintenance to ensure reliable performance when you need it most. At Woodville Plumbing and Heating, we recommend following these simple maintenance tips to prevent sump pump failure and safeguard your Portland basement from potential flooding:

Test Operation Monthly At least once a month, locate the sump pump discharge pipe and slowly pour several gallons of water into the sump pit. This simulates a heavy rain event and should trigger the pump to turn on automatically and expel the test water outside as it's designed to. If it doesn't activate, the pump may need service or replacement.

Keep the Pit Clear Over time, the sump pump pit or basin can accumulate debris, rocks, mud, and other buildup that impedes the free inflow of water into the pump's intake. Periodically inspect the pit and clear out any obstructions to allow smooth drainage. Installing a filtered pump cover can reduce pit maintenance needs.

Check Power Supply Most sump pumps are hard-wired to a dedicated outlet or have a cord that should be securely plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Ensure the cord is in good condition and hasn't become dislodged or unplugged, which would render the pump inoperable during a flood event.

Install a Battery Backup Power outages during heavy storms are common in Portland, ME, which means your hardwired sump pump won't be able to do its job. Having a backup battery system for the pump provides crucial basement flood protection when the electricity goes out. Install easily replaceable backup battery packs.

Clean Pump Intake Screen Most quality sump pumps have an intake screen to prevent large objects from being sucked through the discharge pipe and causing clogs. Regularly remove and rinse away any sediment or debris buildup on the screen.

Clear Discharge Pipe Double-check that the pump's discharge pipe leading outdoors remains fully cleared of obstructions where groundwater and debris can drain freely away from the home. Inspect for any pipes that have become dislodged, blocked, frozen over in winter, or have sprung any leaks.

Check Float Switch The float switch that triggers the sump pump to turn on when water levels rise has an arm that must be able to move freely. Ensure the float moves up and down smoothly and isn't stuck or obstructed.

Listen for Unusual Sounds Odd grinding, whirring, or whining noises when the pump cycles could indicate an impeller issue or that it's nearing the end of its lifespan, around 7-10 years for most models. Replacing an aging pump prevents breakdowns.

By following these simple sump pump maintenance tips for Portland, ME, you can have peace of mind when heavy storms hit knowing your basement will be protected from flooding. At the first sign of sump pump problems, call our certified plumbers at Woodville Plumbing and Heating right away at (207) 756-9725 before water damage occurs!