Guides
Sump pump maintenance: the yearly checklist
Sump pump maintenance is a short yearly routine: unplug the pump, clear the pit and intake, then fill the pit slowly and watch the float start the pump.
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Written by HyreFoundation Research Desk Primary-source research and fact checking
The short answer
Sump pump maintenance is a short yearly routine: unplug the pump, clear the pit and intake, then fill the pit slowly and watch the float start the pump.
Check that the check valve stops water flowing back, that the discharge line is clear and carries water away from the house, and that any backup pump and battery work.
Do it before the wet season and after any long dry spell.
Key takeaways
; the float should start the pump and shut it off.
Signs your pump needs more than maintenance
The checklist, step by step
Unplug the pump before touching it, and remove the lid. SDSU Extension says to check the intake for clogs with the pump unplugged.
Lift out debris, gravel and silt from the pit floor and intake screen.
Plug back in. Pour water slowly, at about the rate water usually enters, until the float rises. The pump should start, run and shut off cleanly.
A struggling or irregular sound can mean wear. SDSU notes this may be a sign the pump is near the end of its usable life or needs repair.
After shut-off, water should not run back into the pit. Outside, the line should be clear, unfrozen and discharging away from the foundation.
Test a battery or water-powered backup the same way, and check the battery per its maker’s instructions.
What to ask before you sign
The full checklist is on choosing a foundation contractor.
Where this goes wrong
A fast dump can move the float differently from real inflow. Fill slowly.
A frozen or crushed discharge line makes a working pump useless.
Power often fails in the storms that fill pits.
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Questions
How often should a sump pump be serviced?
How do I test my sump pump?
What does a check valve do on a sump pump?
Why is my sump pump running constantly?
Can I clean a sump pump myself?
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HyreFoundation Research Desk
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