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How to maintain your sump pump or French drain in your Staten Island NY home

It’s easy to forget about your sump pump or French drain - but when the weather starts to turn, you’ll want to be assured they are in great working condition. Here are some great home maintenance tips for these systems to help prevent a wet or flooded basement.
How to maintain your sump pump 
These are fairly low-maintenance machines, so they don’t require intensive care or repairs too often. To keep it functioning smoothly, you need to:
  • Regularly check the discharge line to ensure it isn’t clogged or frozen.
  • Remove debris from the inlet screen to prevent clogging a few times a year.
  • Remove debris, stones and mud from the pit area.
  • Testing the float component to ensure it can move unobstructed.
  • Test the pit in dry seasons by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise and trigger the pump. Check the outlet to make sure the water is being discharged efficiently in a direction away from your home.
  • Replace your backup power battery every 2 to 3 years or as directed by the manufacturer.
  • Check the power cord and make sure it is in good condition.
How to maintain your french drain
Also a low-maintenance system, French drains require an annual clear out to prevent clogging. Here’s how to go about this process:
  • Locate the start of your French drain, keeping in mind that overgrown grass and plants can hide it. They can generally be found at the top of the drain’s gradient.
  • Get your garden hose and send a moderate stream of water down the drain. If the water starts to back up the drain, you have a clog.
  • If the water isn’t flowing down the drain, get a pressure cleaner. Be sure to stand to the side when you activate the spray and angle it towards the bottom length of the drain. This will help dislodge clogs more easily and prevent you getting sprayed by water and loose debris.
  • If the water still isn’t flowing properly, you’ll need a sewer snake. Turn off the pressure cleaner and send the snake down until you meet resistance. Then use the snake to gently break up the clog. Once you have done this, try the pressure cleaner again to clear out the clog.
  • Most outdoor French drains are covered by a thin membrane of landscaping cloth to help prevent debris from entering the drain. If you are finding that your drain has a severe clogging problem, you may need to have this membrane replaced.
Get professional assistance from a trusted local waterproofing company 
Bonded Waterproofing Systems has been providing affordable, high quality waterproofing solutions to Staten Island, NY, home and business owners for over 30 years. We can assist you with everything from sump pump installations and services to French drain installation, mold remediation and removal, and full basement waterproofing.
In addition to our free, no obligation estimates and industry-leading lifetime warranty, we also offer affordable interest-free financing – helping you maintain your biggest asset without breaking your budget.
For more information on our services in Staten Island, NY, and how we compare to other basement waterproofing companies, please contact us or visit our website at http://bondedwaterproofing.com/ today.

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