Sump Pump Maintenance

Sump Pump Maintenance in Melbourne

Sump pumps in Melbourne play a vital role in protecting properties from water damage. Sitting in a sump pit, they actively prevent flooding by pumping out any collected water and redirecting it away from your home. Regular maintenance ensures that your sump pump system continues to operate efficiently, providing reliable water management for Melbourne properties.

Regular maintenance of your sump pump is vital to ensure it functions properly when you need it most. Here are some essential steps to sump pump maintenance:

1. Clean the Sump Pit: Remove any dirt, sand, gravel and other debris to prevent any blockage. You should do this once or twice a year, or more frequently if the area has high levels of debris

2. Check the Pump for Debris: Inspect the pump inlet screen for any debris that might be trapped, which could prevent it from working correctly.

3. Test the Pump: This can be done by pouring water into the sump pit until it triggers the pump to start. The pump should turn on automatically and begin to pump out water, and then turn off when it\’s finished. If it doesn\’t, you may need to investigate further or call in a professional.

4. Inspect the Outlet and Vent Pipes: Check the outlet pipes and make sure the water is being pumped at least 20 feet away from your home and not into the sewer or septic system. Ensure the vent hole in the discharge pipe is clear.

5. Check the Float: The float triggers the switch to start the pump. If it\’s stuck or doesn’t move smoothly, the pump might not start or run continuously, causing the motor to burn out. Ensure the float remains free and untangled.

6. Backup Power Source: If your sump pump relies on electrical power, it\’s worth considering a battery backup for those times when power outages coincide with storms or heavy rains. Test the backup power source periodically as well.

7. Professional Inspection: Have your sump pump inspected by a professional every year. They can perform a more thorough check and can identify and repair any issues before they become severe problems.

Remember, a well-maintained sump pump can save you from costly repairs due to water damage. Although you can often handle this maintenance yourself, feel free to contact a professional if you notice anything unusual or if the pump isn’t functioning properly.

At Melfire, we frequently handle repairs and servicing for pump systems in building basements. Melfire undertake this work generally on a six monthly and annual basis.

Our generally process includes:

  • Testing the electrical system of the pump controller
  • Testing the pumps, floats and controls
  • Cleaning the pits
  • Reporting on failures and replacement of pumps or control where required.

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