How Often Should You Service Your Basement Sump Pump System?

August 25, 2023

Basements, those foundational pillars of many homes, are often vulnerable to the whims of nature. Heavy rainfall and potential water accumulation mean your basement is constantly at risk. The first line of defence against such disasters is your sump pump system. Consider the sump pump to be the heart of the system, if the heart doesn’t pump, well………..

So, how often should a basement sump pump system be serviced?

According to BS12056 domestic submersible pumps should be serviced a minimum of once  a year, Ideally we would recommend every 6 months due to the nature of high end basements, if you are not sure, carry out a first service after 6 months and then a frequency based on the service engineers recommendation.

how often service basement pumps
Replacing the old sump pump in a basement with a new one to drain the collected ground water from the sump or pit.

Risks Associated with Infrequent Servicing:

  • Potential Flooding: The sump pump’s primary task is to redirect water that has entered via the structure, this is known as groundwater and is part of the design of your basement or it could be surface water also known as rainwater that may fall on hard surfaces i.e. light wells. This water is collected in the sump chamber and the pumps discharge it to the drain in the street. A non-functioning or inefficient pump can cause flooding, jeopardising your home’s, destroying valuable items and remedial work is often costly and could take many months to complete.

  • Costly Replacements: By skipping regular services, minor issues can slip under the radar. These unchecked problems can culminate in significant damages, necessitating a full system replacement instead of a mere part swap. Notably, a complete system overhaul is not only pricier but also demands more extensive labour and maybe inconvenient to the homeowner. Remember the old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.

  • Reduced Lifespan: Systems untouched by regular servicing often have a reduced operational lifespan. Neglected issues can cause the pump to overwork, leading to accelerated wear.

  • Energy Inefficiency: An optimally maintained sump pump consumes less energy, leading to cost savings. Conversely, an overlooked system can be a silent culprit behind inflated utility bills.

Old defunct obsolete grungy rusted sump pump that has been removed for replacement due to malfunction or breakdown.

PPS (Packaged Pumps System) Service Plans:

Recognising the crucial role of routine maintenance, PPS provides service plans tailored to cater to varying systems and budgetary constraints. Whether you lean towards regular, scheduled check-ups or prefer a one-off service, PPS is at your service.

Benefits of PPS Service Plans:

  • Cost-Effective: Timely servicing can pre-emptively identify budding issues, sparing you from the considerable expense of complete replacements.

  • Flexibility: Ranging from pay-as-you-go models to all-encompassing annual packages, PPS delivers solutions moulded to your needs and financial considerations.

  • Expertise: Entrust your system to the hands of seasoned professionals adept in the nuances of sump pump mechanisms, ensuring a flood-free and safe basement sanctuary. Remember PPS is the largest manufacturer of sump pump systems in the UH, so we may have supplied yours.

In wrapping up, while the immediate costs of servicing may appear burdensome, the overarching benefits of a diligently maintained sump pump system are irrefutable. Such a system not only guarantees financial savings but also ensures uninterrupted peace of mind, especially during torrential downpours.

With the diverse service plans from PPS, the guardian of your basement remains ever-vigilant in safeguarding your home.

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