You may not think about your sump pump on a daily basis, but it is one of the most important appliances in your home. When there's a hard rain or your basement walls start leaking, the sump pump is what prevents your home from flooding. Such an important appliance needs to be properly maintained so it can continue to do its job. Keep reading to learn what basic sump pump maintenance involves.

1. Testing the Pump

This isn't exactly maintenance, but it is the first thing you should do every time you're about to maintenance your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit, and watch what happens.

Your sump pump should kick on and easily eject the water from the pit. If it does not turn on, or if it makes any strange noises while operating, then you need to call a repair specialist. Grinding noises, rattling, and excessive vibrations are all signs something is amiss.

2. Rinse and Clean the Pump

Once you've confirmed the sump pump works, turn it off temporarily. Then, use a hose to rinse off the pump. If debris seems to be caked on to the pump, use either a toothbrush or a putty knife to scrape it away. If you loosen a large amount of debris, you may want to use a wet vac to remove it from the sump pit. Otherwise, you can leave the debris to be ejected when you turn the pump back on.

3. Check the Discharge Line

If the discharge line has become clogged with debris or is blocked by some sort of plant growth, then your sump pit won't empty as it should. Locate the end of your discharge line, and inspect it for any obstructions.

Also, make sure the discharge line is long enough to deposit the water far away from your home's foundation. If it dumps the water too close to the foundation, that water will simply find its way back into your house again. A handyman or home repair professional can install a longer discharge line, if needed.

4. Check the Backup Battery or Generator Connection

Most sump pumps have a backup battery that will keep them running for a while if the power goes out. It's a good idea to change this battery each time you maintain the septic tank. If it's a rechargeable battery, charge it when you do your sump pump maintenance.

If your sump pump is instead connected to a generator for backup power, make sure that connection is secure. Consider test-running the generator to make sure it's working, too.

A little sump pump maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your home safe. If you need help maintaining your sump pump or the rest of your home, contact Hassle Free Home Services. We offer flexible home maintenance plans to keep you and your family safe, happy, and cared for.