With the transition from the hot, dry summer to the cooler, damp fall and winter right around the corner, it is important to check your sump pump to make sure it’s functioning properly. Nobody likes to find out that their sump isn’t working by walking into a water-flooded basement! Thankfully, there are a couple easy DIY tips for keeping your sump pump in top shape that we will cover below!

What is a Sump pump?

The purpose of a sump pump is to pump the water that is leaking into your basement back outside. They normally pump out into a drain field in your yard. That excess water is just ground water so it does not need to go through a treated system. Sump pumps normally don’t work as hard in the summer, but it’s good practice to make sure they are in good working condition for the colder, wetter seasons.

How do you make sure your sump pump is working properly?

There are a couple easy ways you can check the functionality of your sump pump on your own. One of those ways would be to pour water into your sump pump and see if it switches on. If you don’t want to carry water down to the location of your sump pump, you will find a floater (normally white or blue) inside of it. All you have to do is pull up on that floater with your hand or you could use something like a hanger if it is difficult to reach, and it should turn on. 

How can you keep your sump pump in good shape?

Over the years, sump pumps can develop a layer of sediment that settles on the bottom. All of that sediment can gunk it up and hurt the operation of the pump. Here at BOSS Services, we offer a special drain treatment called BioOne to remedy build-up in your sump pump. We pour the treatment into the sump pump and the enzymes will eat away at any proteins in there, essentially making your sump pump last a little longer and making your water a bit better when it pumps out. If you have a newer washer, they usually drain into the sewer system. Older homes tend to drain the water from the washer into the sump pump. Since you’re using soap in your washer to do laundry, adding BioOne treatment into it will clean up any of that detergent from your system. 

What sump pump services does BOSS offer?

BOSS Services offers replacements or new sump pump installations whether it’s in your basement or crawl space. We can also install a leak detector that will sound an alarm notification on your phone if your sump pump overflows. It is its own basic system that connects to your wifi and the cable attached to it detects water.

If you are in an area that gets frequent power outages, we also offer battery backups for sumps. During storms is the best time you want your sump pump to work to allow the water to keep pumping out when your power gets knocked out. Even if you currently don’t have a generator, a battery backup for your sump will give you a little bit of peace of mind the next time your home loses power. 

Need sump pump maintenance or a repair?

If you are in need of an expert plumber to fix your sump pump, perform a fall checkup, or anything else you may need, you can call our office at 269-468-6682 to set up an appointment at your convenience.

We serve all of Southwest Michigan from Niles and New Buffalo to the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area to Kalamazoo. If you have any heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, bathroom, or window questions, we are the most comprehensive home services company in the area with a reputation for raising the standard in the industry!