This week Cam decided to help his friend out who had some trouble with his basement flooding. When Cam went to update the sump pump, this help led to a disaster. As we never recommend following the advice of Cam, myCH.ca is going to provide safety tips for maintaining sump pumps!
Maintenance for Sump Pumps
Once installed, a sump pump will require ongoing maintenance, particularly before the Spring thaw when water levels may rise. Sump pumps can also overheat when water levels are high, and the sump pump has to run continuously. Overheating then introduces the risk of fire.
How to Prevent Overheating
Here are some tips on how to maintain and prevent your sump pump from overheating:
- Use sump pumps that have overheating switches.
- Plug the pump into a dedicated electrical circuit.
- Monitor the sump pump to detect overheating or other issues requiring repairs or replacement.
- Always have a sump pump serviced by a professional.
- Combustibles such as paint, thinner, gasoline, etc., should be kept out of the sump pump area.
- Watch for any debris, silt, or dirt in the pit that could clog the float switch.
- Ensure the motor is level.
- Maintain a charged backup battery.
These few steps can keep your sump pump functioning at optimal levels and save the expense of potential damages either due to natural flooding or overheating and fire.
Contact Us
Don’t be a Cam, please talk to your insurance broker before you embark on any DIY projects. myCH.ca is there to help you prepare in advance for what life might throw your way. If you are interested in discussing any insurance policy options with one of our skilled brokers, you can contact us:
-
- Calling your insurance broker or giving us a call at our main line: 306-757-0621.
- Filling out an online quote form.
- E-mailing us at hello@myCH.ca!