You would be tempted to not worry about your sump pump with our current drought situation in Johnson County, Kansas City as well as most of the Midwest but you would be wrong. When things are dry for a prolonged period the soil around your home and when the rain returns the water will be under your foundation quicker than under normal circumstances. Also, with your sump pump not running the float mechanism (if applicable) can become stiff and not function when you need it. The homes built on springs normally have the longest lasting sump pumps.
It is a good idea to run a hose or use a bucket to water your sump pit every so often during these dry patches until the sump pump turns on. Water should not rise more than an inch above the sump pump and with most models the pump will kick on before that level.
We’ve heard it said that Johnson County, KS has the most sump pumps in the nation. Not 100% sure if that is true but we do have a lot.
A battery back-up sump pump is a great way to have peace of mind in regards to your sump pump. A battery back-up sump pump is more of an investment than the main sump pump but it is well worth it. Particularly if you have ever experienced a flooded basement. A battery back-up sump pump system is a secondary sump pump that goes into the sump pit and runs if the main pump does not do its job. Many people think it is a battery for the main sump pump but it is not.
Many homes in Olathe, Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood and Kansas City have finished basements and a battery back-up sump pump is like an added insurance to protect the investment you have made in your finished basement. But even if your basement is unfinished, a flooded furnace or water heater are not fun things to deal with as well as anything you have stored in your basement.
We have sump pump special running this August and add them at different times of the year too!
So, don’t be lulled into thinking everything is fine with your sump pump. Test it or give us a call to come out a test it for you.
Lastly, average sump pump lifespan is similar to a water heater of 8-12 years but in finished basements without a battery back-up sump pump we wouldn’t recommend pushing it much beyond 5 years.
Steve Connelly
Owner/ Plumbing Solutions Expert
Master Plumber