Seasonal Maintenance Tips
The Showers
That Bring
The Flowers
This Month's Tip:
Storm Water Control
Tips for maintaining sump
pumps, and flood protection
What exactly is a sump pump?

A Sump Pump is a critical part of the
foundation drainage system, it moves water
from under your foundation to an outside
area.  Sump Pumps are located in the Sump.

A Sump (sometimes called a Crock) is
usually a pit, where water is collected
Check the Discharge Pipe:
  • Usually the discharge pipe is located around the
    outside of the house.  You want to make sure it is
    not blocked, obstructed, or damaged in anyway.  
    Make sure the discharge pipe terminates at least 20
    feet from the house.  Any less, and the Pump maybe
    moving the same water again, and again

Locate the Sump & Sump Pump:
  • Make sure the area is clear and easily accessible.  
    (When located in a Crawlspace, this is a good time
    to check your Vapor Barrier.)

Sump & Sump Pump Inspection:
  • Check the electrical wiring.  If it looks damaged or
    exposed call a Qualified Technician to make
    necessary Repairs.  Do not attempt to repair
    yourself. - Remember Electricity & Water Do Not
    Mix.
  • Sump Pumps need GFCI Protection (GFCI - Ground
    Fault Circuit Interrupter)
  • Check the discharge piping.  Look for damage or
    signs of leaks.  Also check the support of the piping.  
    Give it a shake, make sure it's not to loose.
  • If the Sump is dry, look for any debris that could
    damage the pump.  Note-some Sumps do have
    gravel in them, but make sure the pump itself is
    elevated and is resting on a solid & level support

Test Your Pump:
  • If you feel confident add water to the Sump.  A
    garden hose is very helpful.
  • When the pump discharges, make sure it does not
    pump all the water out at once.  The pump should
    never run dry.  If it does check the float switch, it may
    be stuck in the "On" position.  Running the pump
    with no water, will cause the pump to overheat and  
    premature failure.
  • Make sure the Check Valve is operating correctly.  
    The Check Valve should be installed on the vertical
    pipe coming out of the Sump.  When the pump cuts
    off, and you witness an excessive amount of water
    "falling back" into the Sump, this indicates a check
    valve problem.

Check Your Back-Up system:
  • You do have one right?  It is Highly Recommended,
    to have a back up.  
  • The 2 most common Back Up Systems, are Battery
    Back Up, and Water Supply Back Up Pumps.  Battery
    Back Ups usually are a secondary power source for
    your Sump Pump, and most on the market have
    alarms to alert you of low battery or other problems.  
    Water Supply Pumps, use centrifugal force created
    by the water pressure of your supply water to your
    house (either City Water or Private Well System)
    These pumps will work in extended periods of
    power outages, or main pump failure.
Flood - Flooding is one of the most common
hazards in the United States.  Some floods
develop slowly, over a few days, but Flash
Floods can develop quickly, and with no sign
of rain.  If you live in areas prone to flooding,
the best tip is PREPARATION.
Flood Protection
Sump Pump Maintenance
Prepare Yourself:
  • If you are unsure if your area is
    prone to flooding check with
    neighbors and investigate on your
    own.  Prepare yourself for "what
    could be."
  • Make sure your insurance policy
    covers flood damage, and sewer
    back up.
  • Even if your house is not at risk,
    you still may be affected by street
    closures, power outages, water
    supply interruption and the
    unknown.

Prepare Your Property:
  • Elevate your Furnace, Water
    Heater, and other Appliances that
    may be prone to damage.
  • Have your Electrical Panel
    relocated from the basement to an
    upper floor.
  • Have Check Valves or Back Water
    Valves installed on your sewer
    lines to prevent Sewer Back Ups.
  • Seal walls in basement with water
    proofing compound to avoid
    leakage.
  • Construct Barriers, such as berm
    walls, levees, and flood walls to
    protect from flood water
For more information about Flood Preparation

Check the FEMA website.
If you have any question about
these Tips
Feel free to Contact Us
(217) 714-7594
The Home Consultant
Inspection Services
(217) 714-7594
Save $25
Dollars on a
Full Inspection
Valid thru
May 31,2008