Heavy rainfall can take it’s toll on your home, specifically your sump pump. Checking on your sump pump frequently, especially after substantial amounts of rain is key to performance of the unit and keeping your home from water creeping in.

How To Test A Sump Pump

A sump pump helps remove water that collects in a sump basin. The sump pump helps remove any collection of water to avoid flooding, dampness and the foundation of your home from water damage.

Test Your Sump Pump

Test your sump pump every other 3 months and especially after substantial rainfall.  To test a a sump always start by unplugging the it from the wall. Once you unplug the unit completely and plug it back in you should hear noise from the unit, whether it’s a gurgle type sound or vibration of the unit as it turns back on.  This test helps validate the unit it receiving power.

Check Your Sensor

Next step is to confirm that the sensor is working. The sensor is called the float and does exactly as its name entails, it floats in the basin to identify the presence of water. With the sump pump plugged in and the cover removed, put your hand in the sump pump basin to pull the sump pump sensor and lift it up.  This action is to mimic what would happen if the sump pump was in water and then floated up, thus activating the pump pump. If the sump pump turns on once you have lifted the float sensor then you know the device is working. Keep in mind the float can get stuck up and you may need to relocate it carefully so that it can rise and fall properly when water is present. If you lift the sensor and nothing happens, then your unit may not be working properly and further diagnostics is needed.

Assess Your Water Location

The last part is to follow up by checking the location where the water is being output, outside of your home. Make sure the water that is being output from the sump pump is directed away from the home and output safely and effectively without pooling. Pooling of water can damage your foundation, lawn and could cause insects to fester.

Published: 4/2/2020