Test Your Sump Pump At Least Twice A Year

For the millions of Americans suffering through drought conditions, your sump pump is one of the furthest things from your mind right now.  However, it is important to test the sump pump regularly to make sure it will work when you need it.  In some homes, the sump pump is frequently called into action and these homeowners can be reasonably confident that the sump pump is working properly.

On the other hand, most sump pumps installed in basements and crawlspaces are used very infrequently.  Some may sit for months or years before they are needed.  The important thing is that the sump pump works properly when you need it.  That’s why regular sump pump testing is important even in the driest conditions.  You are taking your chances if you wait until the basement is filling up with water.  You want to choose a dry day to make sure that the float switch is working freely, the pump operates smoothly, and there is nothing blocking the discharge line.

Fortunately, you can easily check all of these things with one simple test.  First, open up the lid to the sump and inspect the sump well with a flashlight to make sure it is free of dirt, debris, and other foreign materials.  Use a shop vac to clean the well if necessary.

Next, slowly pour a 5 gallon bucket of water into the sump and watch to make sure the pump actives and pumps the water out of the sump.  Repeat the process so that the pump activates and shuts off properly at least twice.  Check outside to make sure the water was discharged away from the house through the discharge outlet.

If all is well, close the lid – you are done until next time!  The test is so easy that there is no good reason not to do it twice a year.  Try adding it to the list of things you do every time you set the clocks ahead or back for daylight savings time. If there were any problems encountered, have the sump pump checked out by a good local plumber.