Sump Pump Maintenance: What Every Albuquerque Homeowner Should Know
Albuquerque’s summer monsoon season brings sudden, heavy rains that can quickly threaten homes with basement flooding and costly water damage. Your sump pump serves as the first line of defense, but it can only perform well if it’s maintained and ready before the storms arrive.
I’m Andrea Griego from First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling, and in this guide, I’ll share practical sump pump maintenance tips every Albuquerque homeowner should follow before monsoon season. With the right preparation, you can prevent flooding, protect your home’s foundation, and ensure your pump operates reliably when you need it most.
1. Test Your Sump Pump to Ensure It’s Working Properly
The best way to confirm your sump pump is ready for heavy rain is by testing it. A quick, simple test can alert you to a malfunctioning sump pump before it fails during a storm.
Here’s how to test your system:
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit.
- Watch the float switch rise and trigger the pump.
- Confirm that water flows smoothly through the discharge pipe and drains away from your home.
If the pump fails to activate, cycles irregularly, or doesn’t remove water efficiently, schedule a professional inspection before the next rainfall. Early detection helps you avoid costly repairs and basement flooding later.
2. Clean the Sump Pit and Inlet Screen
Over time, dirt, gravel, and other debris collect inside the sump pit. These materials can block the float or clog the inlet screen, preventing your pump from operating correctly.
“Clear the sump pit of any dirt, gravel, or debris. This helps prevent clogs that could block the float and stop the pump from working.” — Andrea Griego, First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling
Remove any visible buildup from the pit and inspect around the pump intake for sediment or small obstructions. Keeping the pit clean helps maintain efficient water flow and prevents frequent cycling or damage to internal components.
3. Check the Power Source and Backup Systems
Your sump pump is useless without a reliable power source. Before monsoon season, verify that your pump is plugged into a GFCI outlet and that the circuit breaker connected to it is functioning properly.
Because power outages are common during heavy storms, consider installing a battery backup or other backup systems. These devices automatically power your pump during a power failure, ensuring continuous operation when your home is most vulnerable.
A battery backup offers peace of mind and protection for homeowners in areas prone to flash floods or electrical interruptions. It’s one of the smartest additions you can make for reliable operation during storm season.
4. Inspect the Discharge Pipe and Check Valve
The discharge pipe directs excess water away from your home’s foundation. If it’s clogged, blocked, or improperly angled, water can flow back toward the house and cause basement flooding.
During your pump maintenance, make sure the check valve on the discharge line is functioning. This valve prevents water from flowing backward into the sump pit once the pump turns off.
Also, check that the pipe:
- Extends at least 10 feet away from your home.
- Is clear of debris and free from cracks or leaks.
- Is positioned for proper drainage away from crawl spaces or basements.
A quick inspection of the discharge pipe can prevent unnecessary flooding and extend the life of your sump pump system.
Seasonal Sump Pump Maintenance Before Monsoon Season
New Mexico’s late-summer storms can overwhelm unprepared systems. The National Weather Service designates June 15 through September 30 as monsoon season, a period known for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the region.
Conducting regular maintenance each spring or early summer ensures your sump pump is ready before the first major downpour. Routine checks, cleaning, and professional servicing not only improve reliability but also extend your pump’s lifespan.
Don’t wait until water starts rising in your basement to discover that your sump pump needs attention.
Schedule Professional Sump Pump Services for Albuquerque Homes
Even with consistent routine checks, a professional inspection is essential for long-term reliability. Certified technicians can assess your sump pump system for electrical safety, float switch performance, and discharge efficiency—things that go beyond a simple homeowner test.
Professional sump pump services also help identify worn components, electrical issues, and early signs of mechanical wear that might not be obvious. Addressing these common issues early prevents failures and unnecessary repair services later.
Schedule an appointment with First Rate Plumbing Heating & Cooling before the next storm. Protect your home with professional sump pump maintenance and enjoy peace of mind during monsoon season.