A sump pump can sit quietly for weeks and then have to run nonstop through a single storm. Pumps rarely fail on a sunny afternoon; they fail when the ground is saturated and the basement depends on them. A few minutes of maintenance each season is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a below-grade space.
Every few months: test the pump
- Find the pump and confirm it is plugged in to a working outlet, ideally one protected by a GFCI.
- Slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit until the float rises.
- Watch the pump switch on, empty the pit, and shut off on its own.
- Go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge line.
If the pump hums but does not move water, does not turn on, or keeps running after the pit is empty, it needs attention before the next storm.
Spring: get ready for the wet season
- Clear debris, gravel, and silt from the pit so nothing clogs the intake.
- Make sure the float moves freely and is not catching on the pit wall or cords.
- Check the discharge line outside. It should be clear and route water well away from the foundation.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so less water reaches the pit in the first place.
Summer: storms and power outages
Summer thunderstorms bring heavy rain and power outages together, which is the worst combination for a pump that runs on house power. If your basement is finished or you store anything valuable below grade, ask about a battery backup pump. Test it the same way you test the primary pump, and check the battery’s condition.
Fall: clear the leaves
- Clean gutters after the leaves drop. Overflowing gutters dump water right at the foundation.
- Check that the discharge outlet is not buried under leaves or mulch.
- Run another bucket test before the late-fall storms.
Winter: protect the discharge line
A discharge line that freezes leaves the pump with nowhere to send water. Make sure the outside line slopes so water drains out rather than sitting in the pipe, and that the outlet is not blocked by snow or ice.
Signs it is time for a repair or replacement
- Strange noises: grinding, rattling, or loud humming
- Running constantly, even in dry weather
- Short cycling: switching on and off over and over
- Visible rust, corrosion, or a pump that vibrates heavily
- The pump is old enough that you cannot remember when it was installed
Some of these are simple fixes, like a stuck float or a failed check valve, and our sump pump repair service handles them. If the pump is worn out or undersized for how much water your home gets, sump pump replacement with a properly sized pump is the better investment. Homes with no pump and recurring water should start with sump pump installation.
Not sure what you are hearing from the pit? Request an inspection and we will test the system and tell you what it needs.