Sump pumps help reduce flooding during storms. Here in the New York metropolitan area, Superstorm Sandy allowed us to witness firsthand the devastation that excess water can wreak on a home.

As the height of hurricane season approaches, we here at Bruni & Campisi would like to offer a few helpful sump pump maintenance tips for you to consider. These tips will help keep your unit functioning in optimal condition, helping you prevent basement flooding during a storm.

How to Check If Your Sump Pump Needs Maintenance

The first thing you’ll want to do is to figure out how old your sump pump is. A general rule of thumb is that sumps on average last about 10 years. If your unit is older than a decade or swiftly approaching this milestone, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer model.

Next, you’ll want to ensure your sump pump has access to a dedicated power source. If you live at or near a shoreline in one of the New York metropolitan area’s many coastal communities, we recommend you invest in a backup power generator, particularly one with an automatic transfer switch that can detect utility outages and instantly trigger the generator’s motor. This can help protect your basement from pooling water and flooding in the event of a power outage.

You’ll then want to test out your sump to observe if it is making any unusual noises or emitting any unpleasant odors. These can be signs you need to clean your pump — a procedure we encourage our clients to perform every few months — or call a repair technician for more extensive repairs.

We recommend taking a look at your sump’s basin to ensure it is free of any foreign objects. If your sump has a weep hole, you’ll want to make sure it’s not contaminated — if dirt or other obstructions are present, clean them very gingerly so as to protect the hole’s delicate components.

Next, take a look at your pump’s filter — also known as an impeller — and clean any visible buildup. Finally, you can take a look at your sump’s check valve, which should face away from the unit. This will ensure proper directional flow when the pump is not being used.

Need a Hand With Sump Pump Maintenance and Repair? Bruni & Campisi Can Help

A sump pump that is kept in good shape will help protect your basement and home from flood damage. If you’re a homeowner in Westchester, NY, Greenwich, CT, Stamford, CT or the surrounding area who could use some extra help with maintaining, repairing, or installing your sump pump, contact us here at Bruni & Campisi today.

We are a Better Business Bureau-accredited company that has been trusted by area residents to provide outstanding craftsmanship and caring customer service for nearly 40 years. We can help you keep your basement dry — trust Bruni & Campisi to help with all your sump pump needs.