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A sump pump can offer peace of mind during rainy season, but don’t take that safety measure for granted. A sump pump needs regular maintenance in order to work its magic of keeping water out of your home. That will ensure it stays in optimal working condition. Sump pump maintenance is important year-round, but heavy rain from summer storms makes it of particular concern this time of year.
The time to start thinking about sump pump maintenance is not when a big storm is forecast and you realize you’re going to need it. And yet that is an all-too familiar scenario for many homeowners. Taking care of sump pump maintenance throughout the year will ensure that your sump pump is ready to go when it’s needed.
This list outlines Bonfe’s top seven sump pump maintenance tips. Follow these tips and your sump pump is guaranteed to have your back.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
A word of caution before we start: Make sure to disconnect all electric cords from the outlet before inspecting your sump pump. In addition, you should consult the manufacturer’s manual for any precautionary advice before getting started.

The pit where the water collects around the sump pump should be free of any dirt, dust, and debris. If you do not keep the pit cleaned of the debris, it could clog the discharge tube and pump impeller.

You should also ensure proper positioning of the float. The float should not be obstructed by walls or any other objects, and should be kept at a proper height.

Inspect the drain line for any signs of damage, corrosion, or holes. If the line is damaged, the water will remain at the bottom and flood the basement.

Clear the area surrounding the sump pump of any loose items that could get stuck inside the pump. And make sure that you have quick access to the pump. In an emergency, you don’t want to wait until the basement is flooding before being able to access the pump for repair.

Make sure there’s a 3/16 to 3/8-inch hole in the tube directly above the pump. This is an air hole and is there to prevent an airlock in the discharge lines.

Turn on the pump to ensure that it is in good working condition. Fake flood the pump with a hose to test whether it’s able to effectively pump water. If it is plugged into a GFCI outlet, you should also test the outlet prior to and during the storm. If the GFCI trips, that could make the sump pump inoperable. Plug the sump pump into the GFCI and press the ‘test’ button to verify that they’re both in working condition.

Finally, schedule a professional inspection at least once a year. This will ensure that the sump pump remains in operable condition and will not die out on you when you need it the most.

Bonfe offers professional 6-step sump pump inspections, with a lifetime warranty on all Bonfe recommended repairs. Print this coupon and present to your service tech to get your sump pump maintenance inspection for just $59.

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