How To Ensure Your Sump Pump Is Ready for Spring Rains

In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, spring brings a welcome change from the icy, snowy winter conditions. But in order for the flowers to bloom, rain has to fall first, and a lot of it. All that wet, rainy weather and melting snow can pose a serious problem for your sump pump if it’s not adequately prepared for the changing seasons.

In this blog post, the plumbing experts at Dean’s Home Services will cover how to ensure your sump pump is ready for the spring so it doesn’t get overwhelmed by rain, leaving you with a flood in your basement.

Why Sump Pumps Are Important in the Spring

Having a sump pump installed in your home is an excellent way to protect it from flooding in the basement. Especially in the Twin Cities area, where there’s an average yearly snowfall of 51 inches and precipitation of 32 inches, sump pumps can help protect your property from excess water.

When the seasonal melt occurs, and there’s an accumulation of water around your home, a sump pump will activate, pumping water out of your basement or crawl space and directing it away from the foundation. However, if your sump pump isn’t properly prepared and malfunctions, water could overflow into your basement and cause a flood.

How To Prep Your Sump Pump for the Spring

To ensure your sump pump remains fully operational and your basement stays dry, it’s important to prepare your system for the changing seasons and the increased activity they can expect to face as snow melts and heavy rains ensue. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your sump pump is adequately prepared for the spring:

• Check the power: Be sure that your sump pump is plugged into a GFCI outlet and that its power cord is free of any defects or damage.
• Clear away debris: Remove any mud, gravel, rocks, or other debris that may have accumulated around your sump pump during the winter.
• Inspect outlet pipes: Check the pipes that drain water outside your home to ensure they are connected properly and moving water at least 20 feet away.
• Test float switch: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to check that the float switch is working properly and the pump activates as expected.
• Test the valve: Dump water into the sump pit to see if there is any flow back into the pit after the pump turns off to test if the valve needs cleaning.
• Clear inlet grate: Remove any debris on the grate or screen on the sump pump to prevent overworking the system.

What To Do if Your Basement Floods

If your sump pump fails when you need it most and your basement floods, it’s important to know what to do next. If your basement floods, address the issue as soon as possible, as leaving it untreated can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home.

The moment you notice your basement has flooded, contact a flood restoration specialist to have your home inspected and ensure the necessary measures are taken. Then, contact a knowledgeable plumber to evaluate your sump pump and either have the defective unit repaired or replaced.

Choose Dean’s Home Services for Sump Pump Services

Do you have a sump pump that’s failing to protect your home from heavy rains and melting snow? Dean’s Home Services is here to help. Our expert plumbers offer same-day sump pump repair solutions to residents throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas to ensure their systems are adequately prepared to handle the influx of rainfall during the spring season. With over 100 combined years of experience and upfront pricing, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the prompt, professional, price-conscious solutions you deserve.

Schedule sump pump repair or replacement in the Twin Cities by calling 763-515-4852 today!