A Guide to Sump Pumps & Basement Flood Prevention
March 28, 2025
Protect Your Home from Water Damage: A Guide to Sump Pumps & Basement Flood Prevention
Why Sump Pumps Are Essential for Your Home?
Living in the Red River Valley means dealing with unpredictable weather, snow melting, and rainfall, which can lead to flooded basements and costly water damage. A reliable sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding, protecting your foundation and belongings from water intrusion.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump is installed in a pit or basin in your basement or crawl space. Its job is to collect and pump out excess water before it can flood your home.
✅ When water levels rise, the pump automatically activates.
✅ It pumps the water away from your home through a discharge pipe, preventing it from pooling around your foundation.
✅ When functioning properly, it helps keep your basement dry and damage-free.
Signs You May Need to Replace Your Sump Pump?
Even the best sump pumps have a lifespan, typically around 8 years. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to repair or replace your unit:
- Frequent Cycling: If your pump turns on and off frequently, it could indicate a malfunctioning float switch.
- Excessive Noise: Rattling, grinding, or clunking sounds can mean worn-out components.
- Visible Rust or Corrosion: This can lead to system failure and leaks.
- Inconsistent Operation: If the pump doesn't activate during heavy rains, it may need servicing or replacement.
- Power Outages Impacting Performance: If your pump fails during storms due to power loss, consider adding a battery backup for extra protection.
What to Avoid with Your Sump Pump?
To keep your sump pump working efficiently, avoid these common mistakes:
- Neglecting Maintenance: Test your pump at least once a year by pouring water into the pit and ensuring it activates properly.
- Improper Discharge Placement: The water discharge line should direct water away from your home’s foundation** to prevent re-entry.
- Ignoring Warning Signs: Strange noises, delayed operation, or visible rust are signs that your pump needs service.
- Overloading the Circuit: Sump pumps should be on a dedicated circuit to prevent electrical overloads.
Why Add a Battery Backup?
- Adding a battery backup ensures your pump keeps running even when the power goes out.
- Wi-Fi-enabled pumps can send alerts to your phone if water levels rise or if the pump malfunctions, giving you peace of mind—even when you’re away.
- A battery backup allows for extra protection if your pump fails during a storm.
At Northstar Plumbing, we specialize in sump pump installation, maintenance, and flood prevention services for homes and businesses in the FM Area. Ask us about adding a battery back-up to ensure your pump keeps running even when the power goes out. This can be installed at any time, even on existing pumps. Our expert team ensures your basement stays dry and your pump works when you need it most.
Emergency Services Available 24/7
Fargo-Moorhead Service Area
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.
🚿☀️ Summer plumbing issues don’t take a vacation. Are You Ready?
From leaky outdoor faucets to basement flooding and overworked drains, July brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing.
We’re breaking down the top plumbing problems to watch for this month and how to prevent them. ✅
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