Germantown, a census-designated city in Maryland, is home to over 91,249 people as per the census conducted in 2019. The city receives rainfall of 43 inches on an average, per year which is more than the average rainfall of 38 inches per year of the country. With heavy rains, a faulty sump pump can lead to severe damages to the plumbing system of the building and cause many complications.
The main job of a sump pump is to remove water from the pit to protect your home against flooding. If the switch malfunctions or the pit fills up with debris, you could be looking at severe damage – not to mention what happens during heavy rains if your basement starts getting flooded.
Proper sump pump maintenance involves checking the float switch every month or more often if the area receives heavy rains. Over time the seal may need to be replaced – you’ll know your float is leaking if it becomes too buoyant and rises above the water line during regular operation.
That’s when it’s crucial to call the best plumbers in Germantown for sump pump repairs.
Here’s how they can help with sump pump repairs:
Investigate the Problem
A plumber will first look at your sump pump to see what’s causing the problem. They may find it’s just a clogged screen or that the float switch needs to be replaced, which can be a quick and easy fix.
If it is jammed or broken, they can replace a malfunctioning float or a faulty switch. These experts have the proper knowledge about the local laws and regulations for plumbing in Germantown.
Repair Broken Parts
If the plumbing system in your home is having problems with any part of the water flow, you can count on your plumber to replace that specific component.
For sump pump repairs, they will need to take out and clean or replace clogged pumps and underground pipes.
Maintain Proper Water Levels
The best plumbers in Germantown can help you maintain the water levels in your pump by cleaning out the pit and installing a screen to keep debris from clogging the intake.
They should adjust or replace the pump to function at its best.
Protect Your Basement from Flooding
If the sump pump is working fine, you shouldn’t have to worry about flooding during heavy rains.
Your plumber can come to your house periodically and inspect the sump pump pit, cleaning out any debris or ensuring the intake grate is in place. Then they’ll make sure there’s an adequate amount of water for proper drainage.
A skilled Germantown plumber can even help you connect your sump pump to a backup generator in case of an emergency.
Inspect the Switch and Motor
Before you work on your sump pump, you want to ensure that all power is turned off at the circuit breaker. Plumbers in Germantown will check for issues such as loose wires or debris in the pit before they even touch your sump pump.
They also recommend turning off or unplugging the pump before cleaning it out.
Clean the Pump and Pit
If your sump pump is covered in muck and debris, it won’t be able to do its job. Plumbers will clean the pit and remove any obstructions so that the pump can function correctly.
They may also add a de-icer to your pit to keep the water from freezing during the winter months.
Inspect and Replace the Float Switch
Using the right tools, your Germantown plumber can disassemble your sump pump to inspect the float switch. If the seal is worn away or damaged, it will need to be replaced immediately so that water doesn’t flood your basement.
In some cases, they may also need to adjust the float itself to ensure that it’s working correctly.
Make Sure Your Pump is Working Correctly
After they have cleaned out your sump pump, your Germantown plumber will ensure that the motor is running.
They’ll check the outlet to ensure that water is being pumped out as expected. They can recommend various solutions if it isn’t, depending on whether you have a vertical or horizontal sump pump.
Install a Backup Generator
The average sump pump repair cost in Germantown is around $400-$600.
You can’t always be there to ensure that your sump pump is working correctly. If you have gas or an oil-powered generator, your plumber can install it in your home so that your basement doesn’t flood during emergencies.
They’ll check the wiring and electrical connections before connecting the backup power source.
Even if your primary sump pump is working fine, it can still be a good idea to have a backup in place. If you do, the plumber will also test that one to ensure that it’s fully operational. They may also check or replace any backup float switches connected to your original system.
In the end, if you have a flooded basement, you could be looking at a lot of damage that could have been prevented with regular sump pump maintenance.
With sump pump repairs in Germantown from a plumber, though, this won’t be an issue – just make sure to turn off your power before they start permanently.
