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Storm preparations: Checking the sump pump

By WTOP Staff

Heather Brady, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Sandy rapidly approaches, the D.C. area is eyeing it warily, with thoughts of rising water and flooding at the forefront of many people’s minds.

In addition to drains and gutters in public spaces, there is a personal concern for individual homes as well. To help address flooding in home basements, several YouTube videos and links give do-it-yourself instructions for checking the sump pump, which helps get rid of water in basements as they flood.

This video suggests working with the pump’s plugs and listening to the pump to check if it works:

This video suggests examining the pump itself to see if it works or if the pump is stuck:

The eHow and Popular Mechanics websites offer more information about checking a sump pump.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

By WTOP Staff
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