Many of the pieces to our septic systems are well-known, from drain to tank. One of the potentially most valuable components that is a little less talked about is the sump pump.
Sump pumps collect and remove liquid from low spaces. Many houses in places with high risk of flooding contain sump pumps in the basement, as a means of keeping the home protected from unwanted water.
Simply put, the sump pump, when it detects water, moves it away from the home through pipes. A small hole is located in the floor of the basement, collecting floodwater that penetrates the loose earth around the foundation.
Like any other part of the septic system, the sump pump needs routine and regular preventative maintenance. Soil or other debris can clog the sump pump and lower its effectiveness – which is not a problem homeowners or business owners want to have in the event of major precipitation or other such emergencies.
Digging a little deeper: when the water in the sump rises to a specified amount, the pump automatically engages, dispersing the water out and away from the structure to prevent flooding. If it isn’t operating as designed, though, big problems can ensue, and quickly.
One other element of note: as sump pumps are powered by electricity, if the power goes out in the structure during a storm or for any other reason, the sump pump will not run, unless you have a battery backup. This is important, in the event the power is out for an extended period of time.
Sump pumps are not especially large, so keeping an eye on them is important. They typically should be checked out approximately at least annually. In buildings that require frequently running pumps, examination should be carried out more often than that.
While that may seem unnecessary, it is of paramount importance if you live in a place that is susceptible to flooding that your sump pump is ready to rock when called upon. Time and money to keep up maintenance on the sump pump pale in comparison to the costs of flooding.
Little’s Septic will be more than happy to take a look at your sump pump and keep it ready for when you need it!