Your basement stayed dry through the thaw and is surviving spring showers, but summer thunderstorms and heavy rains will continue to test your home’s resolve. Even a little water can mean big problems so the experts at Martens Plumbing & Heating recommend doubling your protection with both sump pump maintenance and a battery backup system.

Test Your Sump Pump to Protect Your Home From Flooding

A sump pump is standard equipment in most homes, but it won’t do you much good if you don’t maintain and test it occasionally. Like any motorized device, it can be bogged down with debris or wear out over time.

To see if your system will be ready when you need it, start at the source—the power source, that is. You should see two separate plugs—remove them both from the outlet, then plug in just the one for the pump. If it doesn’t immediately turn on, it probably needs repair. You can also test your sump pump by pouring enough water into the pit to raise the float (or you can raise it by hand). Your sump pump should turn on and pump the water away. Just remember to only let your pump run for a few seconds during testing or you could damage the motor.

Let Our Pros Repair or Replace Your Sump Pump

If your sump pump can’t pass these tests, our plumbing experts can repair it or install a replacement to help prevent what could be a very costly and unpleasant home emergency. Here are a few other tips to keep unsanitary water and mold out of your basement:

• Keep your pit (also called a crock) covered.
• Clear the pump inlet screen regularly to help keep your unit clean.
• Make sure your gutters are clear and downspouts are draining properly.
• Check your lower level after a heavy rain or whenever you see standing water on your property.
• Ask us about a water sensor that will sound an alarm or send an alert to your phone at the first sign of a leak.
• Schedule annual maintenance by a Martens Plumbing & Heating pro—we’ll clean the discharge opening and line, grease the bearings in the pump, and make repairs if we find a problem.

Be Prepared With a Battery Backup Sump Pump

With regular service your sump pump can last up to 10 years, but there are a lot of variables that could shorten its lifespan. Because you never know exactly when it will stop working, we always recommend a plan B in the form of a battery-powered backup sump pump. Not only will this unit step up if your sump pump fails, but it can also step in if your primary pump can’t keep up. Best of all, it runs off a powerful marine battery, so it’ll work even if you lose power at home. Considering that the same storms that bring heavy rains often cause electrical outages, this is an ideal way to get added protection and peace of mind.

From Cooling Systems to Sump Pumps, Trust Martens Plumbing & Heating for Help at Home

For help with all your home’s most important systems—from an energy-efficient Carrier® air conditioner to sump pumps and plumbing services—trust the company that understands urgency, integrity, fast response, and value: Martens Plumbing & Heating. We can also help with bathroom and kitchen remodeling to make your home the best it can be. Contact us anytime for more information or a free estimate from the Mukwonago plumbing and HVAC team that’s here for you.