Sump Pump Maintenance

Sump pumps will give you years of trouble free operation if you perform some simple routine maintenance tasks.

Some pump manufacturers recommend the pump be run every two to three months. Some recommend a yearly program completed just before the rainy season hits. Try to follow the pump manufacturer's recommendations for your sump pump. These will include:

Filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump operates. If you have a back-up pump, unplug the primary pump and run the back-up pump to make sure it works properly. Don't forget to plug the primary pump back in after completing the test.
When testing your sump pump, go outside while the pump is running to make sure it is discharging water. In some cases, the pump can run but not pump any water. This can because the impeller has disengaged from the pump shaft or the checkvalve is installed backwards.
Check the operation of the float to make sure it is not restricted.
Clean out the air hole in the discharge line. This will prevent airlock conditions that can prevent the pump from pumping water out of the sump pit.
Listen for any unusual noises when the motor is running.
Replace the battery on a battery back-up sump pump every two or three years.