Does Your Sump Pump Pit Need Attention Now?

I hate to interrupt your summertime fun, but have you looked into your sump pump pit lately?

“It’s summertime summertime sum sum summertime
“Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
“Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
“Summertime summertime sum sum summertime
“Summertime” – The Jamies

Yep, it’s summertime, folks! You’re probably enjoying barbecues on the back patio, warm-weather activities, and lots of hard-earned reprieve from the hot summer sun. How’s that sump pump pit of yours doing? Have you given it a thought since the rainy season has passed? After long periods without rain, your sump pump pit could use a little attention.

Dry Sump Pump Pits

The water in the sump pump pit slowly evaporates during long, hot, dry spells. This evaporation of the water in the pit is accelerated when the air conditioning runs in your home. Lowered humidity indoors encourages the water in the sump pit to escape into the air.

Once a sump pump pit dries out, the impeller, the motor housing, and the float switch all begin to dry out and even rust. Corrosion on the impeller and the pump housing eventually meet in the middle and cause the pump to lock up. Rubber components in the float switch can dry out and crack, too.

The easiest way to keep this from happening is to add water every time you see the water level is low. Add enough to cause the pump to run one or two times, exercise the components, and keep them viable if and when they are needed most.

Sump Pump Pit Debris

Now that you’re looking into that sump pump pit with a flashlight, do you see any debris? Debris in your sump pump pit spells big trouble for your pump when you least expect it and need it most. If debris has found its way into the pit, the float switch can get stuck. This is why many basements flood every year.

If you’re looking into your sump pit for the first time ever, you may find rocks, wood chunks, tools, cigarette packs, critter skeletons, and a whole lot more. I once removed a cigarette pack from a sump pump pit for an original owner who had never smoked. Nails, a chunk of 2 x 4, a rag, a paint can lid, and other kinds of undesirable items from the original construction are possible sump pump float obstructions.

No, sucking your sump pump pit dry and removing debris is not a fun job. I speak from experience. Every time my hand goes into murky sump water and encounters something I am certain is a scary, living creature, is an amusing experience … for the customer.

If your sump pump pit has never been ShopVac-ed completely dry and had all of the debris removed, call Blue Frost Heating & Cooling at (630) 444-0860.  Removing debris prevents costly flooding, and that’s rewarding!

Water Alarms

Water alarms let you know right away when water starts to accumulate in the basement. That sure beats finding five feet of water downstairs a day later! Water alarms are inexpensive. So purchase a few of those $5-$20 water alarms from your local home center and place them where water is likely to accumulate first. Let’s face it. Flooding happens, so it’s wise and cost-effective to prevent costly damage to your home and your belongings.

Some insurance companies offer discounts for installation of water alarms and devices. Does yours?

Peace of Mind

Call Blue Frost Heating & Cooling at (630) 444-0860 for maintenance of your sump pump pit today. We’ll remove debris or install water alarms and devices for you. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing. May you never know the flood you avoided!

Blue Frost Heating & Cooling

Professional and Certified

Cooling, Plumbing, Heating

Your leader in home comfort and customer service for 25 years

Conveniently Located Now in Two Locations:

416 E. Wilson Street, Batavia, IL, 60510

504 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174

Call (630) 444-0860.