Prevent Basement Flooding! Check Your Sump Pump Before Spring Weather Hits Georgia

It's March! Which means that spring is right around the corner and April showers are about to make their appearance (and let's be honest, March in Georgia has pretty bizarre weather too). While the rain can bring fresh, gorgeous flowers, it also brings the terrible risk of basement flooding. A sump pump is the number one defense against basement water damage, but you have to regularly check it to make sure it's working properly (don't wait for the emergency to hit). Now’s the time to make sure your sump pump is ready to handle those heavy Georgia storms. "What does a sump pump even do?" Great question, it's a device that is installed in your basement and it moves water from the basement to the outside of your home, so your basement does not flood.

Here are 3 important steps to ensure your sump pump is working properly:

1. Test the Sump Pump to Avoid Basement Flooding in Georgia

The first thing you want to do is test your sump pump to make sure it’s working. You ma ask, "How the heck do I do that?" We've got you covered... Pour a few gallons of water into the sump pit (the area where your sump pump sits), then watch to see if the pump turns on and drains the water out. That sounds simple enough, right?

"What if the if the pump doesn’t turn on or the water isn’t being pumped out?" That means there is definitely an issue. This could be due to the sump pump being clogged, or having debris, or even mechanical failure. If that's the case, it’s time to schedule a licensed plumber to check or repair the system.

2. Clean Your Sump Pump and Pit

Over time, just like anything, dirt and debris will start to build up inside the pit, as wll as around the pump and in the discharge pipe. Make sure you regularly clean out the sump pump and pit area by:

Remove dirt from around the pump
Clean the intake screen (that's where the part of the pump pulls water in)
Flush out the sump pump discharge pipe to make sure there aren't any clogs

When you do this, you reduce the risk of your sump pump getting overwhelmed and breaking during a storm.

3. Check the Power Supply

Make sure the sump pump is plugged in and is able to receive power. If you have had issues with power outages we recommend investing in a battery backup for your sump pump. Battery backups are easy to maintain and give you peace of mind during heavy rains when you can’t afford a power failure. A battery backup will make sure that your pump continues working even if the electricity goes out.

What to Do if Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working

If your sump pump fails the test, don’t wait until the first Georgia rainstorm to try to fix it. Call First In Restoration the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia, to check your sump pump system. We will make necessary repairs or replacements, but taking the simple steps above can help prevent basement flooding and avoid costly water damage repairs down the road.

The #1 Water Damage Restoration Company in Georgia

If you find that your sump pump needs repairs or if you experience basement flooding during the Georgia storms, don’t hesitate to contact First In Restoration. We are the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia, serving Gwinnett County, Loganville, Johns Creek, Walton, Barrow, Hall, Jackson, and Clarke counties. Our team is always ready to assist with emergency plumbing, emergency water removal, sump pump repairs, and flood mitigation.

Call 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com to make sure your home is ready for Georgia spring storms!