Sump Pump Checklist

When spring air starts to freshen up your home and the winter ground slowly begins to thaw, it’s time to check your sump pump to make sure it’s in working order. Spring rain can have a difficult time absorbing into the ground, so it is important that your sump pump is capable of keeping water out of your basement as the ground thaws. Your home will easily keep water away with this simple sump pump checklist.

Step 1: Clean Sump Pump Basin Debris

Make sure your sump pump is free of any debris. It is easy for small items to fall into the pit and cause the system to fail. A good way to check for debris is to fill the pit with water to see if the system can start and stop correctly.

Step 2: Inspect the “Check” Valve

Inspect your check valve to be sure that the arrow is not pointing towards the pump. When the check valve is installed incorrectly, water will flow back into the pit when the pump turns off.

Step 3: Smell for an Odor

If you don’t properly maintain your sump pump, it can start to have a foul odor. The smell is likely coming from the sump pump trap, which holds water. If the water sits for a long period of time without cycling out, it can start to smell. A simple solution is to fill the basin with water until the sump pump engages and cycles out the old water.

Step 4: Check Power and Consider a Backup Power Source

Your sump pump’s power needs to be checked more than just annually. It cannot work properly without a power source. In case of a power outage, you should consider installing a battery backup system for your system. A battery backup comes in handy when you are without power during a heavy storm.

Step 5: Call us!

We can give you a free in-home estimate to be sure your sump pump is working properly. We can check the smaller parts of your pump to determine if they need to be replaced, fixed, or cleaned. Call us today to schedule your free estimate!