During heavy rain you can count on leaks, seeps and maybe even some flooding. After that a bit of mildew, possibly some rot and a distinct aroma that is slightly funky.

Watershed is one of the single most crucial home-maintenance issues that we must face each winter. Runoff from the roof, water from downspouts and surface water all become a potential danger to a foundation, subarea and basement. This is a significant problem if you live on a hillside where rushing water can sweep your home away.

The trick is to manage the water BEFORE it becomes a problem. Clean gutters and downspouts, add downspout extensions, check French drainage systems, check storm water outlets, and don't forget that trusty sump pump.

Of the systems just mentioned, the sump system is the only one that contains moving parts. Whether you have one that operates on 110 volts, low voltage or battery, the problems associated with each are universal from a clogged intake to a bad control switch. This is one device that you want working when winter comes. For such a small machine, there are sure a lot of things that can go wrong, such as:

-Clogged intake screen
-Broken control switch
-Jammed control switch
-Perforated float
-Clogged or dirty sump or sump base
-Burned-out motor
-Tripped reset switch
-Tripped breaker or blown circuit

The most common problem with sumps of all kinds is clogging - dirt, debris and other messy stuff clogging the gravel or rock collection area or plugging up the inlet screen. Although a sump pump doesn't have an inlet filter, it does have an inlet screen with small holes that are easily clogged. The reason there isn't a fine mesh filter is that most sump pumps are designed to remove small particles of debris along with the water. Think about it for a second. The basement floor is slightly dirty. Water leaks into the basement and across the dirty floor. The sump collects both the water and the debris. A good, solid brass sump pump will also macerate. Didn't know that you had two garbage disposals did you?

Debris that is too large to make it through the holes of the inlet screen usually ends up clogging the system. And it only takes one or two large leaves to shut the system down. So, step one is clean, clean, clean. With the system clean use a garden hose to accomplish step two: Fill the sump with water to be sure that it is fully operational. As the water fills the sump it will raise the float which, at some point, will activate the pump.

If the float moves and the system doesn't eventually start up then it's time for step three: Check the electrical system. If the unit is plugged into an outlet, unplug it and plug in a lamp that you know is working. A lighted lamp means that the electricity is on and that the problem isn't power. If the lamp doesn't light, it is time for step three: Check the breaker. It isn't unlikely that a fuse or breaker would go haywire during the dry months.

If the power is on and the pump doesn't start, you are left with three possibilities: 1) the reset switch on the motor needs to be reset, 2) the switch activated by the float is not working or 3) the motor is burned out from operating too long while clogged. Not an uncommon occurrence.

If there is no reset switch or if that isn't the problem, the next step is to check the float switch. Often moving the float up and down will clean dirty switch contacts and cause operation to begin. Just as frequently, the switch must be replaced. If the switch is removable you might want to try the repair yourself.

CAUTION: When working on an electrical device, be sure that it is unplugged.

If the switch is built-in you might want to bring the contraption to a local small appliance repair company. Folks that repair tools also are qualified.

If your sump system doesn't have a battery backup system, look into one. They are inexpensive and effective. The weather conditions that cause the sump to be most needed are the same conditions that cause power outages. How frustrating would it be if it were pouring down rain and the sump pump was pushing water out at 15 gallons per minute and all of a sudden the power went out? Would a battery backup be a good idea then? If the answer is yes than spend $100 now to save thousands in inconvenience later.