A large part of my business includes the installation, servicing and replacement of Sump Pumps, Back up Battery Systems and the like.
This is an easy tip to insure that your sump pump is working and at the same time doing necessary maintenance to your water heater. My suggestion is that you do this procedure at least once per year.
I have found over the years that because sump pumps are typically located in basements, they are difficult to check periodically to make sure they are functioning correctly. You typically have to fill the pit with water in order to get the pump to turn on automatically and to inspect the exit drain on the outside of the house to make sure any water will exit the house at the proper location.
In addition, water heaters should be drained about one time per year to remove sediment that accumulates in the bottom of the water heater that causes the tank to corrode pre-maturely and also causes the efficiency of the water heater to be reduced because of the buildup.
When I am at a customer's house to either verify that a new pump that I have installed is functioning or whether their existing pump is functioning, I bring a regular garden hose and install it at the drain valve that is typically located at the bottom of the water heater and run the hose into the sump pump pit in order to fill it up to see that it kicks on and drains the sump pit.
This operation "kills two birds with one stone" in that by doing so, you are draining the water heater along with the sediment that has accumulated in the bottom of the tank.
Please be very careful, as this water may be scalding hot and can burn you.
However, it is typically good for the sump pump and pit because it reduces some to the residue that builds up on the sump pump and cleans it.
You will hear the tank refilling and water going through the tank as you are performing the operation.
Do not leave this area while the hose is attached to the water heater. If you are not planning on remaining present or cannot monitor the operation in case you develop a leak in the hose or the hose fitting loosens. Always monitor the operation and when you are finished by verifying that the water is coming out clean from the water heater (and the sump pump is functioning correctly) turn off the hose bib at the bottom of the water heater, make sure that you stop hearing the flow of water through the tank and hose, leave the other end of the hose in the sump pit, then disconnect it at the water heater, hold this end of the hose up high so gravity drains any remaining water in the hose back into the sump pit. This will keep you from spilling water in the basement...especially if the basement is finished. After you are finished and remove the hose from the water heater, inspect the valve that you have just shut off on the water heater tank to verify that it are no leaks or leaking water. Some of the newer water heaters require a large flat head screwdriver to open the valve instead of an handle or knob that is typically found on a water hose bibb or boiler valve. Remember the old saying "Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty!" Do not over tighten the valve shut off. If when trying to open the valve at the beginning of the operation, if it is frozen and does not move freely, stop!! do not force it! There is typically a supply shut off valve located on the inlet pipe (cold) at the top of the water heater that stops the supply of water into the tank. This is there in order to avert disaster of a tank flooding the house if you develop a leak and also to shut off the supply to the water heater if it needs to be serviced.
Any questions? Please call me, Jeff Dorn @ (908) 403-8900
