If you have a water pump in your basement, it likely goes by the name sump pump. This is a type of pump that will gather excess water and keep it out of your home. It is very useful in cases where there is a flood or you have plumbing issues. It also needs to be maintained regularly in order to continue working effectively.

Hire a Professional to Install It

Professional installation of the sump pump should always be the first step. Do not attempt to do this yourself just because you have some DIY plumbing experience. Installing a sump pump is a more complicated process than many other DIY projects in your home. It is best to hire a professional that has experience with these types of pumps. Something as simple as a loose connection could cause a huge flood in your basement.

Inspect the System Regularly

You also need to inspect the sump pump on a regular basis on your own, even before having a professional look at it. You can do this by heading down to the basement where the sump pump is located and opening the lid. You should be able to hear that it is turned on and working efficiently. You can also peer inside to see if it is getting backed up. If you notice the water level in the pump is high, there might be an issue with it. The same goes for a sump pump that doesn't seem to be running at all. In either of these cases, a professional needs to be called before you end up with water damage.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

When your sump pump is working properly, you will hear it running, but it sounds a lot like a motor sounds. However, if there is something wrong with the pump, it makes a high-pitched sound or a number of other odd sounds. You might also hear grinding or crunching sounds when the pump is running, which usually indicates there is an obstruction or it is damaged in another way. If you hear any odd sounds coming from the pump, have a plumber inspect it to get it repaired right away.

Get a Professional Inspection

Even if you are inspecting it on your own, make sure you also schedule a professional inspection about once a year or so. The plumber will look for signs of damage or disrepair that you might not be able to spot on your own. If you're looking for a plumber in your area, visit Clearwater Plumbing.