5 Great Ways To Test a Sump Pump and Make Sure It’s Still Working

Sump pumps are important to keep your home safe from water damage especially with the storms we get in southern Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. During a flood or heavy rainfall, sump pumps remove excess water around the foundation of your home, transporting it away from your home’s perimeter. Properly maintaining and testing your sump pump ensures that it does its job when needed in order to prevent potentially expensive water damage. Testing your sump pump takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require special skills. Here’s how to test a sump pump:

How to Test a Sump Pump

Testing your sump pump is essential to ensure it functions correctly, especially before the rainy season or after long periods of inactivity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you test your sump pump:

1. Locate and Inspect the Exit Pipe

First, find the exit pipe that drains water from the sump pump to the outside of your home. This pipe is crucial for directing water away from your foundation, preventing potential water damage. Inspect the pipe carefully to ensure it’s not clogged with dirt, debris, or any obstructions. Make sure the pipe directs water away from your home’s foundation to avoid pooling water that could cause structural issues.

2. Inspect the Sump Pump Area

Go to your sump pump, which is typically installed in the basement or crawl space near the foundation walls. If your sump pump has a lid, remove it carefully. Look inside the sump pit and clear out any debris you find. This step is important to prevent clogs that could impede the pump’s operation.

3. Test the Sump Pump Using the Electrical Cords

One way to test the sump pump is by using its electrical cords:

Reconnect the Cords: After testing, plug the float cord back into the outlet first, followed by the pump cord into the back of the float plug. Note that not all sump pumps have two cords; if yours doesn’t, proceed with the following methods.

Locate the Cords: Trace the two electrical cords connected to the sump pump. The pump cord usually plugs into the back of the float cord plug.

Unplug and Replug: Unplug both cords from the outlet. Then, plug only the pump cord directly into the outlet. The pump should turn on immediately. If you hear a humming sound, this indicates that the pump motor is running correctly.

4. Pour Water into the Sump Pit

Another effective way to test the sump pump is by simulating its operation with water:

Repeat the Test: To be thorough, repeat this process a couple of times to confirm the pump’s reliability.

Add Water: Slowly pour approximately 5 gallons of water into the sump pit. Do this at a pace that allows you to see the float rise gradually.

Observe the Pump: As the float rises, the sump pump should activate and begin pumping water out. Watch carefully to ensure that the water is being pumped out efficiently and that the pump turns off automatically once all the water is removed.

5. Manually Lift the Float

Lift the Float: Gently lift the float with your hand. This should trigger the pump to turn on.

Avoid Running Dry: Ensure you don’t let the pump run for more than a few seconds without water, as running dry can damage the pump motor.

Call PuroClean Restoration Experts for Water Damage Cleanup

If these methods of testing your sump pump don’t work, it’s essential to have it serviced immediately to prevent severe water damage. A professional technician at waterproofing company or plumber can diagnose and fix any issues, ensuring your pump is ready for heavy rains or flooding. However, if your pump fails from a power outage or some other reason then call the remediation specialists.

It’s recommended to test your sump pump twice a year, before the spring and fall seasons, to catch any problems early. For comprehensive home protection, including fire cleanup, water removal and restoration, biohazard and mold remediation services, contact your local PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield Office. Look us up on linkedin, facebook, instagram, call us at 475.277.2400. We are available for emergency service 24/7.