It’s a Machine, Not a Rock
Many homeowners treat their sump pump like a passive object—they install it and forget it exists. But a sump pump is a mechanical device with an electric motor, impellers, and switches. Like a car, it requires maintenance. If you ignore it, it will eventually seize up—usually in the middle of a flood at 2 AM.
If you have invested in a waterproofing system (or are relying on one to prevent Efflorescence and mold), you must maintain the heart of that system.
The 5-Minute “Spartan Check”
We recommend performing this test twice a year: once in early Spring (before the “April Showers”) and once in late Fall (before the “Freeze”).
- Check the Inlet Screen
Go to your sump pit. Ensure the inlet screen on the bottom of the pump isn’t clogged with small stones, silt, or debris. A clogged intake starves the pump and burns out the motor.
- The “Bucket Test”
Don’t just lift the float switch with your hand. That only tests the switch, not the pumping capacity.
- Pour a 5-gallon bucket of water into the pit.
- Watch the pump activate. Does it turn on at the right level?
- Does it pump the water out quickly?
- Does it turn off once the water is gone?
- Inspect the Check Valve
The check valve is located on the pipe above the pump. It prevents water in the discharge pipe from falling back into the pit when the pump turns off. If you hear a loud “THUNK” sound when the pump stops, your check valve might be failing.
- Check the Discharge Line outside
Walk outside. As we mentioned in our article on Downspout Extensions, make sure the end of the pipe isn’t buried in dirt, covered by snow/ice, or crushed by a car. A blocked exit will burn out the pump instantly.
- Listen to the Motor
A good pump hums. A dying pump grinds, screams, or vibrates excessively. If it sounds unhappy, replace it before it fails.
What If The Power Goes Out?
Maintenance ensures the pump works when it has power. But what about during a storm when the power fails? No amount of maintenance will make an electric pump work without electricity. That is why every comprehensive maintenance plan includes checking your Battery Backup System.
Read More:
- Why you need a backup: Sump Pump Backup Systems
- Keep the water away from the pump: The importance of downspout extensions.
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