How to Test and Maintain Your Sump Pump Alarm

by DoItYourself Staff

Most people are unaware of the crucial role played by a sump pump alarm in the overall running of the household. The primary function of a sump pump is to regulate the levels of water in the sump pit that come by as a result of the drainage system. The function of the sump pump is to ensure that there is no excess accumulation of water and basically the sump pump works to prevent flooding of the house basement in case the water system and the drainage system malfunction. Most people who have sump pumps installed in their basements are not even consciously aware of the presence of the devices and tend to overlook their maintenance and upkeep. As a result of this negligence we run the very real risk of overlooking if the sump pump needs to be repaired and hence run the risk of having our basements flooded with extra water and/or drainage residue in case the sump pump fails to function appropriately.

Importance of Sump Pump Alarm System

The purpose of the sump pump is to override any threat of basement flooding as a result of excess water collection. Material safety in terms of guarding goods saved in the basement from flooding as well as non-material safety in terms of security and health safety (negative impacts of mildew, mold growth and insect breeding are countered) are ensured by the action of the sump pump. But what happens in the event that the sump pump fails to work at its optimum standards? In this light installing a sump pump alarm becomes imperative to assure the efficiency of the sump pump.

The sump pump alarm works to notify the people living in the house when the level of water begins to cross the decreed limits. This usually occurs if the sump pump is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired. The alarm is affixed under the water hole at the decreed safety level and if the water touches the alarm it rings through the house to indicate the dangerously rising level.

Maintaining the Sump Pump Alarm

The flood alarms usually run on batteries linked to the sump pump, hence it is important to have the sump pump checked regularly to avoid any failure that can be prevented and to ensure that the alarm itself is in good functioning order.
Regularly check the batteries on the sump pump alarm. If the alarm is not powered right it will not go off when the water levels begin to cross the safety mark.
Always install a backup battery power system. This backup system should kick into action in case your current batteries run out. The backup system should be charged fully at all times and should be maintained in tiptop condition as well.
Call a technician to regularly check your sump pump alarm and the backup battery. You will need to keep a track of the voltage readings as well as the charge of the sump pump alarm.
The sump pump tends to get clogged with flowing debris and mud and these can also affect the functioning of the alarm. Regular cleaning and upkeep of the alarm are necessary to ensure that it continues to function right.