Sump Pumps Prevent Basement Flooding In Your St. Paul Home During Rainy Spring Showers

Yes, it is that time of year again to start thinking about your sump pump. Late winter to early spring brings the problematic rain on frozen ground leading to water coming into your basement. The key is to have the water come into your sump pump basket and then be pumped back out outside by your working sump pump. Problems arise when the sump pump does not work.

You should check your sump pump operations now to prevent problems later. You can do this by calling a plumber or you can test it yourself. Pour a bucket of water into your sump basket to see if your sump pump starts. You will need to find your sump pump and may need to remove the cover. You may need to pour more than a bucket of water depending on the size of your bucket. You will need to put enough water in the sump pump basket to raise the float so your sump pump knows that there is water to pump out.

Your sump pump works if it starts running and the water disappears. You may have a plugged or frozen line if your sump pump runs but the water does not go anywhere and your sump may be broken if the sump pump does not start. Calling a plumber might be the right choice at this time depending on your mechanical abilities.

You have a number of choices if you do need to replace your sump pump. There are different brands, horsepower, warranties, battery backup, water powered etc. Each has pluses and minuses. Visiting a hardware store, calling a plumber or going online will be your best choice for information as to what is the best option for you. Remember calling a plumber will give you the opportunity to have somebody come and see firsthand the application and give you the best options for your specific needs.

Many cities are requiring you to pump the water outside instead of into your drains. Water from sump pumps is putting an unnecessary load on sewer treatment plants. There is also potential basement flooding if a drain is clogged. Cities like New Brighton are requiring an inspection to make sure you are pumping it out of your house instead of into a laundry sink or into a waste pipe.

Take the time the time make sure your sump pump is in proper working order before heavy rains hit our St. Paul community.

You will want to call a plumber to do any piping for your sump pump. Piping size, support and direction is very important to reduce the chance that water will come into your basement.

I hope you have a dry spring and remember you can reach a licensed plumber at St Paul Plumbing and Heating.