Your sump pump may sit quietly for weeks or months, but when heavy rain hits the Metro East, you need it to work immediately.
Testing your sump pump periodically can help you discover a problem before water begins rising in your basement. The good news is that a basic sump pump test is something most homeowners can perform without special tools.
Here’s how to check whether your sump pump is ready for the next storm.
A sump pump collects water entering the sump pit and pumps it away from your home. If the pump fails during heavy rain or periods of high groundwater, water can rise out of the pit and potentially enter your basement.
Several problems can prevent a sump pump from working properly, including:
Regular testing gives you an opportunity to find these problems when your basement is still dry rather than during a major storm.
It’s a good idea to test your sump pump periodically and especially before seasons when heavy rainfall is more likely.
You should also consider testing it:
If your basement has a history of water problems or the sump pump operates frequently, checking it more regularly can provide additional peace of mind.
Start with a visual inspection.
Look inside the sump pit and make sure there isn’t obvious debris interfering with the pump or float mechanism.
The float needs to move freely so it can activate the pump as the water level rises. Make sure stored items, hoses, electrical cords, or other objects aren’t interfering with its movement.
Also look for obvious signs of damage, excessive corrosion, or other changes since the last time you inspected the system.
A sump pump can’t protect your basement if it isn’t receiving electricity.
Make sure the pump is plugged into the appropriate outlet and that the power cord appears to be in good condition.
Avoid using extension cords or changing the pump’s electrical configuration unless recommended by a qualified professional.
Because electricity and water are present in the same area, don’t handle electrical equipment while standing in water or when conditions appear unsafe.
One of the simplest ways to test a sump pump is to simulate the condition that normally activates it.
Slowly pour water into the sump pit until the water level rises enough to activate the float switch.
The pump should turn on automatically.
Watch what happens next. A properly operating pump should begin removing the water and lower the level in the pit. Once the water reaches the appropriate level, the pump should shut off.
Don’t continue adding water if the pump fails to activate.
Hearing the pump run doesn’t necessarily mean water is leaving the pit properly.
During the test, make sure the water level actually drops.
If practical, check the exterior discharge location and confirm that water is being directed away from the foundation as intended.
If the pump operates but the water level doesn’t decrease, there may be a blockage, discharge-line problem, check-valve issue, or problem with the pump itself.
You probably know approximately what your sump pump sounds like when it’s operating normally.
Grinding, excessive rattling, unusual vibration, or other new noises can indicate that the pump should be inspected.
A pump doesn’t necessarily need replacement simply because it sounds different, but a noticeable change is worth investigating before the next heavy rain.
A primary sump pump that relies on household electricity may stop working during a power outage—which can occur at exactly the same time heavy storms are bringing significant rainfall.
That’s why many homeowners choose a sump pump battery backup system.
If your system has a battery backup, test it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the battery and backup pump are in working condition.
If you don’t currently have backup protection, Ehret can help you determine whether adding a battery backup sump pump makes sense for your home.
If the pump doesn’t activate when the water rises, stop the test before the pit overflows.
Check whether the unit has power and make sure nothing obvious is preventing the float from moving.
If those basic checks don’t identify the problem, have the system professionally inspected rather than attempting to take the pump apart yourself.
A sump pump that doesn’t activate when tested shouldn’t be trusted to protect the basement during the next storm.
A pump that runs continuously without lowering the water level also needs attention.
Possible causes can include problems with the pump, discharge piping, check valve, or another part of the system.
Continuing to let a malfunctioning pump run may not solve the problem, so schedule service before relying on it during heavy rainfall.
A failed test doesn’t automatically mean the entire sump pump needs replacement. Some problems may be repairable.
However, replacement may be worth discussing if the pump:
Ehret can inspect your system and determine whether sump pump repair or replacement is the appropriate solution.
The worst time to discover a failed sump pump is when water is already rising in your basement.
Periodically testing the pump takes only a few minutes and can give you confidence that the system will activate when it’s needed. For additional protection, consider whether a battery backup system is appropriate for your home.
Ehret Inc. provides professional sump pump service throughout Belleville, IL and surrounding Metro East communities, including sump pump repair, replacement, and battery backup solutions.
Schedule sump pump service with Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018 for assistance.
