The Importance of Sump Pump Maintenance & Battery Backup

Updated: March 23, 2023

A sump is essential for pumping water away from your house in case of a flood. This device helps to prevent your home from water damage. What’s more, storms in Cincinnati, OH, tend to interfere with power lines. This interference leads to power outages, which are prevalent during the rainy season in Ohio. When this happens, your sump pump may not work.

If you don’t check it regularly, it may fail when you need it the most. Continue reading to understand the importance of inspecting your pump device frequently.

What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails?

When your sump pump fails during a storm, flood water begins to build up rapidly in your house, be it the basement, foundation, attic, or crawlspace. Learn more about our Plumbing Services.

There are several risks associated with excess water settling beneath your house. Water damage can rot wood,  shift and erode the soil beneath your foundation, and it even attract insects and other unwanted symptoms like mold.

When the foundation is compromised, cracking and shifting of your home structure is a possibility. Such shifts may lead to uneven flooring, cracked walls, mold, dampness, and so on. Sump pumps play an integral role in keeping these water damage risks at bay.

How Often Should You Check Your Sump Pump?

Experts recommend that you inspect and test your sump pump at least every three to four months. The inspections should revolve around checking sump crocks for debris, checking the sump check valve, checking the electrical socket, the power cord, and more.

However, it all depends on what you use the pump for. Soapy water tends to interfere with the functionality of sump pumps. So, if you use your pump device to dispose of water from your washing machine, you may want to examine it more frequently.

You may not have the know-how to perform a proper check. Thorough sump pump inspections require the help of technicians in Cincinnati, OH. Professional plumbers know where the potential problems in a sump pump are likely to occur. They also check if your pump’s backup battery is functioning properly.

Reasons to Use a Backup Battery with Your Sump Pump

You never know when the next power outage will occur.  A backup battery ensures that your sump pump keeps running, even when the storm causes a blackout. Fortunately, Zoeller sump pumps come with a backup battery.

Our Zoeller back up systems include a primary and backup pump. There is only one drain line for both pumps. If that line is clogged neither pump will work correctly. If the primary pump goes out or cannot keep up, the backup pump kicks in. If the power goes out, the battery backup pump powers only the backup pump for up to 8 hours. Consistent checks help to prevent clogging of the pumps.

Sometimes the primary switch can jam. Once again, the battery backup pump is there to step in and save the day. Occasionally, flash floods can overwhelm your primary pump. The battery sump pump activates and doubles the power. This multiplies the effort to move the water from your basement.

Other reasons to back up your sump include the age of the pump device. Sump pumps that have seen their better days can go offline unexpectedly. A device that has been operational for over 10 years needs a battery backup pump to step in when the need arises.

Frequency of use is another valid reason for ensuring your sump has a backup battery. Perpetual use causes wear and tear. At any given time, something could go wrong, bringing your primary pump to an abrupt stop. A backup system can keep the pump going and prevent flooding.

Most importantly, renowned brands are making more sophisticated sump pumps. These devices come with a Wi-fi sump pump monitor. Once you link the device to your phone you will receive alerts in case of a problem. The updates sent to your device allow you to take the necessary action in an emergency situation, preventing floods from catching you off-guard and causing serious damage.

Consider Sump Pump Installation or Replacement Today

Are you a Cincinnati, OH, resident who requires sump pump installation, replacement, or maintenance solutions? Herrmann Services is a family-operated company that provides plumbing, heating, drain cleaning, cooling, and electrical assistance. We have been proudly serving clients in Cincinnati, OH, for over five decades!

Our technicians are highly trained with a wealth of experience in all matters of sump pumps.

When it comes to the installation of sump pumps, we recommend the best in the industry, Herrmann Services. Our team is always on stand-by. All you have to do is contact us today, and we will be happy to resolve any sump pump issues you might have.