Alarm Systems That Cover Your Whole House
Did you know that a home or business security system can detect indoor flooding? If you didn’t, you do now. It’s not always about keeping burglars out of your home or business, but about keeping everything safe and secure. Overall safety is why these systems can also detect fire and carbon monoxide.
But let’s get back to this flooding thing.
Flooding is something that happens in the Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse areas. All it takes is a good rain to overwhelm storm drains and cause waterways to break their banks. Broken pipes are another reason. When you have a basement, the potential for flooding is always there. Even if it seems watertight, all it takes is a leaky pipe to cause significant water damage. The good news is that having a functional sump pump can make a major difference.
Simple Sump Pump Maintenance
Even when security systems detect flooding so homeowners and business owners know sooner rather than later, the sump pump is going to be a very good friend best friend. It can immediately start pumping out the water that is accumulating in the basement so that damage is minimized. However, you have to make sure your sump pump is in good working order by performing annual sump pump maintenance. The following are steps you can take to make sure your sump pump works for you when you need it:
- Make sure the sump pump power cord is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Inspect the cord to ensure there is no wear and tear.
- Unplug the cord and take the pump out of the basin. Inspect the grate for debris and clean it. Too much debris can cause the sump pump to malfunction.
- Check the drainage pipes to make sure the joints are tightly connected and that they are draining to the proper area (pipe into the yard that points away from the foundation or main sewage line).
- All venting should be debris-free.
- Replace the pump and make sure it is upright and level.
- Test the pump by filling the basin with water. The pump should kick on immediately.
If the sump pump fails to operate, you can have a plumber repair it or you can replace it. Sump pumps have a life span of 5 to 15 years. Usually, a sump pump under 5 years of age has a warranty. If it is between 5 and 15 years old, replacement may be your best option.
Contact A Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo Security Company
Your security system and sump pump can work together to minimize the damage in your home or business from flooding. The advanced warning given by the security system and the hard work of your sump pump can result in incredible cost savings when compared to the alternative. To learn more about these systems or any type of system you feel you need to keep your home or business secure, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.