Winter is here and with that comes lots of water.  In the Sandpoint and surrounding areas the sump pump stays in active use especially in the winter.

People who have sump pumps in their homes will tell you they could not do without them.  Like many other home appliances, a sump pump requires maintenance.

It is often recommended that you do not clean the sump pump yourself but leave that task to someone who is qualified.  However, you can pour white vinegar through the unit which will eliminate most of the build up in the system.  Sump pumps have screens or openings where the water enters the pump.  These screens often get clogged, if that happens, the pump will need to be professionally serviced by a plumber.

Some manufactures recommend the sump pump be run and tested every two or three months.  I highly recommend you do that and not wait until you have two feet of water in your crawl space or basement.  If you wait and that happens the cleanup will be very expensive.  Each manufacture provides written maintenance instruction for their pump.  If those instructions are followed the pump will last a long time.

Below are a few maintenance tips:

• Fill the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly.

• Go outside and check to make sure the pump is discharging properly.  Some times the pump will run but not discharge water because the screens are clogged.

• When checking the pump, make sure the float is not obstructed or stuck in one place.  It should be free floating.

• Clean the air hole in the discharge line.  If it is clogged it will not pump properly.

• Listen to the pump motor for any strange noises.  Feel the casing to see if it is warm or hot.  If the pump is whinnying or hot, stop the pump and check it out.  It is probably clogged.

• Some pumps have a battery backup.  They should be changed every couple of years.

• Make sure the pit is free of debris.  If the inlet suction screen becomes clogged, the pump will not work.

• If you spot an oily film on the surface of the water the oil seal has been breached and the pump will need to be replaced.

In general, a sump pump does not require lots of maintenance.  However, following a few simple steps will extend the life of the pump and give you the full value of the pump.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net  or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?  For more information about Ed, and his handyman services, check him out at www.nwees.com.

Copy written  by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor.  Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.