Homeowners throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties trust Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for their plumbing projects more than any other company. Why? Because we’re locally owned and operated, and we back up everything we do with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Our plumbers are highly trained, certified, and insured, so you can rest assured they’ll do the job right the first time. We’re always ready to help with same-day and emergency service, and our rates are highly competitive.
When only the best will do, call us!
Santa Maria Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump is an excellent investment that can protect your home against water damage from flooding and the expense of repairs and cleanup. If you’ve never considered a sump pump, here are a few reasons for doing so.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that sits in a pit at the lowest part of your house, typically the basement, and it is designed to protect you against flooding. Here’s how they work. The system sits idle until it’s needed. When heavy rains occur, and the ground becomes saturated, the water might flow into the basement. Because the pump sits at the lowest point, the water flows towards it, which activates the pump. Once activated, the pump removes the incoming water and drains it into a storm drain or pond to prevent it from flooding your basement.
Besides pumping out flood water, sump pumps offer additional benefits, including:
- Protection from water damage
- Protection from mold and mildew growth
- Protects appliances
- Discourages insects and pests
- Protects your foundation from cracks
- Gives you peace of mind if you’re away during a storm
Now, you might be asking yourself whether you really need a sump pump.
Keep in mind that moisture is common in basements and crawl spaces, and having a sump pump can significantly reduce it. Also, if you live in an area that receives heavy rainfall, there’s always the potential for flooding and installing a sump pump provides you with insurance that you’ll be protected. So, the adage applies with sump pumps: It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Protect your home from structural damage by calling Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for expert slab leak repair.
Our Sump Pump Maintenance
Your sump pump won’t do you any good if it doesn’t work when called on, so it’s essential that you keep it in proper working condition.
Here are a few tips to ensure your sump pump will be ready to work during a flood.
Test it Regularly
A heavy rainstorm isn’t the time to find out that your sump pump isn’t working. So, it’s wise to test it at least once a year by filling a bucket of water, pouring it into the sump, and seeing if the unit kicks on. You’re good to go if it powers on and begins removing the water.
Clean the Inlet Screen
The inlet screen is located at the bottom of the pump and is where water enters. The inlet screen acts as a filter to prevent the pump from getting clogged, so if the filter screen is dirty, it will impede water from getting in, rendering your pump ineffective. Check the inlet screen once a year and clean it if necessary.
Inspect the Discharge Line
The discharge line is where the water drains away from the house, and it can become clogged like the inlet screen, so check it once a year as part of your maintenance routine.
Check the Power Source
Your sump pump should be connected to a GFCI outlet to protect it in case of a power surge. Test the outlet once a year by pressing the reset button to ensure the system is getting power.
Watch for Issues
Lastly, it’s essential to pay attention to your sump pump and watch for issues that indicate you may need to replace it, such as:
- Strange noise during operation
- Rust
- Continuously cycling on and off
- Nonstop running
- Motor failure
Call a professional plumber to assess the system and determine if repair or replacement is necessary if you notice these signs.