Why bother
Snowmelt and spring rain saturate the ground around your foundation. If the pump fails then, water rises quickly. Pumps that sat idle all winter can stick, and check valves can freeze or crack.
Doing it, in order
- Find the pump and check that it is plugged into a working outlet.
- Lift the lid and look for debris, silt or a stuck float.
- Slowly empty a full pail into the sump.
- The float should lift and switch the motor on.
- Make sure it empties the pit and shuts off.
- Go outside and check water comes out of the discharge.
- Test the backup pump the same way, with the main unplugged.
If your discharge line goes into the yard, make sure it is not frozen or blocked with ice.
When the job becomes ours
Call if the pump hums but does not pump, runs constantly, starts and stops rapidly, or is more than ten years old. Also call if you have no backup and the pit fills often.
Your bucket-and-rag checklist
- Pour water in the pit
- Watch the float
- Check the discharge outside
Stop line: If the pump hums but does not run, call. Ring (365) 517-0032.
Questions people ask us
How often should I test?
At least each spring and before any big storm.