Get Storm-Ready Before the Next Downpour!
Happy June from the team at Matheson! Give us a moment—we’re still getting used to that bright orb in the sky and the mild temps. And while we’re loving what June has to offer temperature-wise, any Michigander will tell you, it doesn’t stay sunny forever. If you’ve lived through a Southeast Michigan thunderstorm, you know the drill: the skies darken and open up, your phone starts buzzing with weather alerts and suddenly every street looks like the Clinton River. While the neighborhood kids might be excited about puddle-jumping, homeowners know that kind of rain can spell serious trouble for basements.
That’s where your sump pump comes in. This hardworking little system sits quietly in the corner of your basement until it’s go time. When water starts collecting around your foundation, the sump pump kicks in, pumping it out before it has a chance to flood your home. But like any mechanical system, it can’t save the day if it’s not in good shape. Luckily, Matheson offers premier sump pump services in Commerce Township, so your basement stays dry and protected through the worst of what Mother Nature throws your way this summer.
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
It’s hard to trust your sump pump with such an important task if you’re not sure it’s ready to perform. A little care now can mean the difference between a dry basement and an underground Slip ‘N Slide. Here’s how to make sure your sump pump is ready to roll before the thunder and lightning start.
- Testing, 1, 2, 3. Don’t wait until the storm hits to find out your sump pump’s on vacation, especially devastating if you, too, are on vacation. Test it every few months, especially during rainy seasons. Simply pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump turns on, drains the water and shuts off automatically, you’re in good shape. If it doesn’t turn on—or keeps running after the pit is empty—you’ve got an issue that needs a professional.
- Keep it clean. Sump pumps love a clean pit. Dirt, gravel and gunk can build up over time and interfere with the float switch or clog the pump itself. Give the pit a once-over to clear out any debris. While you’re at it, check the discharge line outside to make sure it’s not blocked by mulch, leaves or whatever else last fall left behind.
- Oh, the irony. Remember, your sump pump runs on electricity—however, the kind of storms likely to lead to flooding are also the kind that can knock the power out. Ugh, what’s a weary homeowner to do? A backup battery system can be a game changer. When the lights go out, a battery backup keeps your sump pump running so your basement doesn’t become an indoor pool. It’s one of those upgrades you hope you’ll never need—but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
- Back up your backup. If your home has a history of water issues—or if you’ll just sleep better knowing you’ve got extra protection—you might want to install a secondary pump. This is especially helpful for homeowners who travel often and can’t keep consistent eyes on their pump. Some setups include a backup pump with its own float switch that kicks in if the primary one fails or gets overwhelmed. Not every home needs this, but for those that do, it’s reassurance money can buy.
- When age isn’t just a number. Sump pumps don’t last forever. The average lifespan is about 7 to 10 years, depending on how often it runs and how well it’s maintained. If yours is pushing that upper limit, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look—even if it seems to be working fine.
We’ve Got Your Back (and Your Basement)
At Matheson, we’ve been helping homeowners across West Bloomfield and the surrounding Southeast Michigan communities protect their homes since 1946. We install and service sump pumps that are built to handle Michigan’s wild, unpredictable weather. Whether you’re prepping for future storms or recovering from a surprise flood, we’re here to help keep your basement dry and your peace of mind intact.
In other news, June is peak allergy season in The Mitten. Watery eyes and nonstop sneezing? Probably not the summer vibe you were hoping for. If your symptoms have you down, choose Matheson for indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions that’ll have you and your family breathing easier throughout the season and all year long.
To schedule your next appointment, please feel free to use our convenient scheduling tool or call us at 248.971.2994.