February, 2022 | Totally Plumbing

Basement Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

A sump pump works to keep a basement dry by discharging captured water from a sump pump basin that could have penetrated a basement by seeping through seams or cracks in basement walls or basement floors. To ensure the sump pump is in proper working condition, it is recommended to perform annual, and in some cases quarterly, inspections and maintenance. Sump pump maintenance steps include checking and clearing the sump pump basin of debris, checking the sump pump for corrosion and other damage, cleaning the sump pump inlet screen, lubricating sump pump bearings if recommended by the manufacturer, and clearing the sump pump discharge line of debris. Learn about basement sump pump maintenance to ensure performance.

What to Do When Water is in a Basement Crawl Space

Causes for water leaking into a basement crawl space include leaking pipes or plumbing fixtures, water from gutters and downspouts, and groundwater seeping through seams or cracks in the foundation. Resolving this issue quickly is important, as standing water can erode a home’s foundation, rot the wooden beams and joists, and create mold and mildew issues. Depending on the root cause of water in a basement crawl space, possible solutions include repairing plumbing leaks, installing a sump pump, adding a vapor barrier, cleaning gutters and diverting downspouts away from exterior basement walls, and fixing grading around the foundation to redirect water away from it. Learn about causes of water in a basement crawl space and remediation tactics.

How to Find Your Septic Tank

A residential septic system needs regular maintenance to avoid a system backup and ensure the longevity of the septic tank and septic field. Regular septic tank maintenance includes pumping the tanks every 2-3 years depending on the number of bathrooms and occupants in the home.

There are several options for finding the location of a septic tank. These include inspecting the yard for a large divot or hill, identifying areas in the lawn that are patchy or difficult to grow grass on, using a soil probe to find the septic tank lids, following the main sewer line from the home by tracking the sewer line in the basement, and contacting your local Department of Health or county building department to obtain records or plans submitted for design approval of the septic system. Learn more about ways to identify the location of a home’s septic system.