DIY: Checking Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps prevent your basement from flooding, but you may not notice when the sump pump stops working until there is several inches of water on the floor. To prevent any damage, do a quick check of the sump pump every month. Pick a day, like the first Saturday of the month, and incorporate it into your schedule. Checking you sump pump shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes.

Step 1: Be sure that the sump pump is on and is attached to a power source. Some homeowners choose to turn off the sump pump during different types of year.

If this is the case in your house, plan on testing the sump pump once before you turn it off for the season, and once before you plug it in for the season. This way, you will be aware of any problems with the equipment.

Step 2: Remove the cover of the sump pump. Use a soft bristled brush to remove any debris from underneath the cover of the sump pump. If you don't have a cover, consider purchasing one to protect your pump from accidents.

Step 3: Fill a large bucket with water. Pour the water into the sump pump tank: you should plan on adding 3-5 gallons to ensure that the water level goes up and the float that determines the water level in the basement is also affected.

Step 4: Wait for the sump pump to turn on. The pump should engage rather quickly, and drain the water from the tank. Wait until the float has returned to its previous location and the sump pump has turned off. If the pump turns on without prompting and drains the water before turning off, your sump pump is in good working order.

If the pump does not turn on, or requires you to jiggle the float or otherwise coax it to turn on or off, your sump pump is in need of repairs. Call a technician to fix the pump, or replace the faulty equipment with a newer model.