Is Your Sump Pump Ready For Spring? Hurry! It Looks Like Rain.

We’ve almost made it! Say goodbye to piles and piles of snow and hello to bouts and bouts of rain. 

Summer is just around the corner, but the dry ground and blue skies aren’t on the horizon just yet. There’s still one more season to power through first. And from the weather we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be quite the dramatic one.

At Gravenhurst Plumbing Heating and Electric, we prepare your home for spring well before a storm hits.

And the best way to do that? By prepping your sump pump!

In this article, find out why a sump pump installation is crucial in your home. Answer the question, “how does a sump pump work?”. And learn how to keep your sump pump in good condition for the rainy season ahead!

The #1 Best HVAC System For Spring? A Sump Pump!

In rural locations like Muskoka, Ontario, your sump pump is the main reason why, 

a) Your basement isn’t flooding and

b) Your sewage isn’t backing up during every heavy rainstorm.

How Does a Sump Pump Work? 

Well, the name itself sums it up!

The “Sump”

A “sump” is a pit that collects water - like a small reservoir. Usually, you can find this pit in the lowest part of your home, such as your basement.

As the rain pours and snow melts, groundwater accumulates through the soil and deposits into this pit. 

The Pump 

The sump pump is a mechanical device that uses a centrifugal pump to move excess water accumulation safely away from your home. 

Within this pump are special valves that sense rising water height and pressure. Once the water height or pressure reaches a certain level, the valves signal the pump to start draining the pit. 

And the pumping begins!

The Discharge Line

Where does this water drain? Through the discharge line! 

Once the water is pumped out of the pit, it follows the line away from your home. It then lands in a designated drainage area, such as a:

• Dry well,
• Rain garden,
• Creek,
• Or pond. 

Note: 

If your drainage area is too close to your house, the water can come back into your sump pump - making the process pointless. So, to avoid wasting energy, we usually recommend that you drain your sump pump at least 10-20 feet away from your foundation. 

Why is a Sump Pump Installation Necessary?

Besides protecting your home against water and sewer damage, your sump pump also helps: 

• Protect your foundation. 
• Safeguard your valuables. 
• Improve your indoor air quality. 
• Maintain humidity levels.
• Prevent mould and mildew growth. 
• And reduce the risk of electrical damage.

Sump Pump Maintenance You Should Know About 

Like every other HVAC system in your home, your sump pump needs regular, professional maintenance. And the best time to get this maintenance done? During your spring cleaning! 

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist:

1. Test your pump.

Dump a bucket of water into the “sump” and ensure that the valves can detect it. If the pump starts pumping, you’re golden! If not, call your local Gravenhurst plumbing team for a sump pump repair service. 

2. Clean your pump out. 

Before cleaning your pump, always disconnect it from the power supply and discharge line. 

Once disconnected, you can take the pump out of the pit for easy cleaning. 

During this process, remove any debris lodged into the mechanics and use a towel or brush to remove any buildup. 

4. Unclog your discharge line as needed.

It’s not abnormal for debris to get caught in your discharge line as water flows through it. But if you let this debris pile up, it can clog your system and prevent efficient water flow. 

5. Clean your impeller.

The impeller is a rotating component that moves the water within your centrifugal pump. If you hear a whining noise, or if your sump pump is failing to pump, it could mean that your impeller has become clogged. 

6. Book your annual sump pump maintenance visit! 

We usually recommend a yearly sump pump maintenance check by a professional to ensure your system is in top condition. 

Schedule your spring tune-up with our Gravenhurst Plumbing technicians today!

7. Check your power supply and backup power supply.

Your sump pump runs on electricity and relies on utility power to operate. You will want to check that this connection is sturdy. 

If this connection is through an outlet, you will also want to check your GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) for signs of tripping.

Sump Pump Backup Options:

Do you have a sump pump battery backup? Or a standby generator in case of a power outage? These backup systems need annual maintenance too! 

Protect Your Home From All Forms of Water Damage This Spring - Before It’s Too Late!

Spring has a bad habit of dampening our summer excitement. But with protection in place, you never need to worry about water damage in your home again!

Sump Pump Alarm

At Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating and Electric, we provide the highest quality indoor and outdoor sewage and sump pump alarms. A sump pump alarm provides a 24/7 warning call for your sump and sewage - so it’ll never overflow without warning! 

Our sump pump alarm selection has, 

• Built-in floor-level water sensors
• Low basement temperature warning sensors
• Puddle sensors
• And more!

Water Security System 

Another valuable piece of plumbing equipment is a Water Security System. Our Whole Home Water Protection With Flo By Moen™ automatically protects your home and investments from costly water damages brought on by the unpredictable weather of Northern Ontario.

This SMART home water security device provides immediate warnings and solutions.

Water Security System Features:

• Remote shut-off and automatic shut-off
• 24/7 Monitoring
• Micro-leak technology

Contact Your Sump Pump Experts at Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating and Electric!

Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating and Electric has served the community for over 70 years with quality plumbing products and services.

Is your home ready to face the challenges of unpredictable spring weather? Our plumbing team can help! 

We offer complete plumbing services and specialize in sump pump systems! Contact us today to schedule your:

• Sump pump installation
• Sump pump repair or 
• Sump pump maintenance. 

You can reach us at 1 (705) 687-3402 or by email at info@gravenhurstplumbing.com.