Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

The sump pump is an important asset for businesses built in areas prone to flooding. A deluge of water from a storm can overwhelm a facility’s drain system and introduce large amounts of water into the building. A sump pump is the first line of defense for reducing or eliminating standing water in basements and sub-levels. Create a preventative maintenance plan to ensure personnel conduct scheduled sump pump maintenance effectively and efficiently. Here, we’ll explore sump pump maintenance tips.

Importance of Sump Pump Maintenance for Facilities Managers

A sump pump helps prevent water damage and maintain a dry environment. Proper sump pump maintenance helps the facilities manager properly ensure acceptable moisture levels.

Types of Sump Pumps and Their Maintenance Needs

A facility will most likely utilize two main types of sump pumps.

Submersible sump pumps

A submersible sump pump sits within a sump pit. When the water reaches a certain level, the pump switches on, pushes the water through a discharge pipe, and directs it toward a predetermined location, such as a community drain system. 

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Unlike submersible pumps, the pedestal sump pump is designed to sit on the floor. An intake line goes into the sump pit, and the external pump directs water through a discharge line to its destination. Pedestal units require less floor space to install, and personnel have easier access to perform regular maintenance and repairs.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Facility

When considering acquiring a sump pump, compare the capabilities of each make and model with your facility’s needs. Whether you’re selecting a submersible or pedestal sump pump, there are a number of factors to consider.

Area Size

Typical pump placement is one pump for every 1000 square feet of floor space. For water to flow ideally to the basin, the floor’s drain tile should slope 1/8″ every linear foot toward the sump pit. 

Typical Precipitation

A high-capacity sump pump is a good investment for any climate because even the driest areas can receive occasional flooding. If your facility is in a region that experiences heavy annual rainfall or snow runoff, a high-capacity pump is the best way to go. 

Facility Type

Facilities on high ground with extensive drainage capabilities are far less likely to encounter flooding than mid- to low-lying structures. Regardless of location, if your facility contains equipment, electronics, or materials that are sensitive to moisture, install a sump pump for safety.

Industry Standards for Sump Pump Maintenance

Observe proper safety practices and standards when performing sump pump repairs or maintenance. Consider these when servicing your facility’s sump pumps.

General Safety Measures

Safety is key in any commercial or industrial environment. Follow these best practices to stay safe when installing or servicing your sump pumps.

• Power each pump on its own electrical circuit.
• Ensure your sump pump has a working overheating switch, especially a pedestal pump. 
• Keep flammable materials and chemicals away from the sump pump area.
• Perform routine maintenance on pumps to avoid potential issues and extend their lifespan.
• Continuously monitor pumps for strange sounds and smells, especially during flooding.

Lockout/Tagout Protocols

When servicing electrical or mechanical equipment, personnel should observe lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental startup. Isolate the pump’s power supply and lock the sump pump breaker in an off position until all maintenance and repairs are complete. Also, lock out any backup power supplies to the system.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Provide personnel with proper protective equipment for performing maintenance tasks. When servicing a sump pump, staff should wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, and goggles to protect themselves as much as possible from contact with unsanitary water.

Developing a Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Add sump pump maintenance to your plumbing maintenance checklist, or put together a comprehensive sump pump maintenance checklist. Break maintenance tasks down into monthly, quarterly, and annual duties. 

Monthly Sump Pump Maintenance

For optimal performance, perform these basic maintenance activities at least once per month.

• Visual Inspection: Look the pump over for external signs of wear and damage. 
• Clean Pump Components: Ensure pipes, hoses, and the sump pump inlet screen are clear of debris buildup.
• Test Pumps: Re-engage power and fill the pump basin with water to test the float switch and the pump’s capabilities. Listen for any odd sounds that may indicate damaged or loose internal components.

Quarterly Sump Pump Maintenance

At the onset of each season, these maintenance activities are conducted to ensure a long-lasting sump system.

• Quarterly Cleaning: Perform a thorough cleaning of the sump pit and all sump pump components.
• Verify Power: Double-check all electrical connections to ensure there’s no loose wiring. Use a multimeter at critical points along the circuit to confirm electrical continuity.
• Quarterly Visual Inspection: Inspect the check valves and discharge pipes for signs of wear or damage. 

Annual Sump Pump Maintenance

Annual maintenance is a more comprehensive endeavor, but it is necessary. Perform the following tasks on an annual basis.

• System Inspection: Perform a thorough inspection of the entire sump system for signs of wear or damage.
• Replace Parts: Change out worn or damaged parts. 
• Test Backup Power: Remove the backup power source lockout and confirm that backup power engages the sump system.

Professional Inspections

Consider outsourcing comprehensive annual inspections and more complex repair and maintenance tasks. An experienced technician can often identify problems that general maintenance personnel could miss, and specialized tools enable them to complete tasks quickly and effectively.

Importance of Documentation

Develop a logging system for tracking maintenance tasks and recording the maintenance history for audits and data gathering. Facility maintenance software can analyze logs and help predict future maintenance needs.

Troubleshooting Common Sump Pump Issues

A malfunctioning sump pump is the last thing you want to encounter when the storms come. Keep your eyes and ears open for issues commonly associated with sump systems.

Identifying Sump Pump Issues

When running your sump system, watch for the following signs that your pump might be experiencing an issue.

• Odd noises or unusual vibrations
• Continuous running
• Failure to turn on
• Frequently switching on and off

Common Sump Pump Issues

You don’t want to be caught with a downed sump system at a critical time. The indications noted above may be signs of one of these common sump system issues.

• Clogged inlet screen
• Obstructed impeller
• Stuck float switch
• Faulty check valve

Maintaining Backup Sump Pump Systems

In a facility where a dry environment is critical, you may want to consider a secondary pump as a backup. A backup system typically requires its own sump basin, and the floor should be properly graded to direct floodwater to it when the primary pump isn’t functioning.

Importance of Backup Systems

A backup sump pump helps ensure sufficient water removal if the primary pump isn’t working properly and can help with overflow when the primary pump cannot handle excess water.

Types of Backup Systems

There are two main types of backup sump systems. Consider your facility’s energy capabilities when determining the type of backup that works best for you.

Battery-Powered Backup

A battery backup sump pump runs on a 12v or 24v cell. It can be plumbed into your primary discharge pipe or placed as a stand-alone piece of equipment.

Water-Powered Backup

This type of backup sump pump utilizes municipal water as its backup power source, making it ideal during a power outage. A float opens a valve, allowing water to flow through a tube. This creates suction pressure to carry the pit water to the discharge line.

Integrating Backup System Maintenance

Include backup sump pump maintenance into your regular sump system preventive maintenance schedule. Regularly test the backup, replace batteries as needed, and verify that all connections are secure. Ensuring each piece functions optimally safeguards your environment from moisture. 

Sump Pump Maintenance and Facility Moisture Control Next Steps

In summary, you may not use your sump pump system often, but it must work properly when it should. Developing and implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan ensures your sump system receives proper maintenance so you won’t be left with an improperly working sump pump when floodwaters come. Consult a professional sump pump service provider to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance audit of your facility’s flood-handling capabilities. 

ServiceChannel is a robust software platform designed to take many scheduling and monitoring tasks out of your hands. Powerful data gathering and analytic capabilities help predict future maintenance needs. Consult with ServiceChannel today and learn how it can help streamline your organization’s facility management practices.