How to Test Your Sump Pump Before a Storm

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

You can avoid big problems with just a little bit of maintenance.

A sump pump in your home could mean the difference between an average day and a disaster. Sump pumps are meant to remove excess water from around the foundation of your home – something that could prove to be invaluable during a major storm. It’s important, however, to periodically ensure that your sump pump is working properly. Regular testing will keep you apprised of any issues with your sump pump that need to be addressed before it’s too late and your home is flooded.

Testing is fairly simple and doesn’t require any special skills.

1. First, you want to identify the exit pipe that drains water out of your home (it will be located outside the house). Inspect the pipe for any debris that could be clogging it to ensure that it will drain properly.
2. Next, you should take a large bucket of water and slowly pour it into the sump pit until you hear the pump click on and start draining the water.
3. Listen as the water recedes to hear the pump click back off once the water has been drained.

If the pump either does not kick on when water is poured into the pit or if it doesn’t shut off again once the water has been drained, it is not working properly. Most commonly, sump pumps get unplugged by a member of the family for one reason or another and then forgotten to be plugged back in. This incredibly simple solution could make a significant difference in the event of a high water situation. Another common sump pump problem is that the float activator is set too high and doesn’t turn the pump on in time. You can adjust it yourself fairly simply and ensure the pump kicks on when it is supposed to. If you check all of the above aspects but the pump still doesn’t work, then you know that it is time to have it professionally serviced.

Performing regular checks on your sump pump could be the difference between a dry home and a house flood that will disrupt your life. If you experience water damage in your home, call on us at SERVPRO of Northern Summit County to come to the rescue. We are faster to any disaster at any time, 24/7/365. You know you can trust our highly qualified technicians to help make it "Like it never even happened."