How to Check your Sump Pump!

Now I'm no plumber, but I've had a few calls on how to check sump pumps this week with all the spring thaw happening. If you have concerns to see if your sump pump is working here are a couple easy ways to check if it will be working when you need it most!

Test 1:

If your sump pump has a float on it...simply lift the float as high as you can and it should start the pump! Be careful not to bend/break any components on the system. (be gentle!)

Some Floats are attached via a rod horizontally, and some slide vertically. Depending on the make and model of your pump. Lifting methods vary.

Test 2:

If you don't see a float or are still not sure if its working. This method can be messy but effective. Take a 5 gallon bucket and start dumping water into the pit. Depending how your pit is setup and how deep it goes it should eventually kick on.

If your pump is not kicking on it might be time to do some troubleshooting! Here's a few quick steps you can take before calling someone down.

Ensure its plugged in an outlet, and that outlet works. You can take a light or other device and plug it into the outlet to ensure there is power there. If there is no power with your light check your GFCI, and panel breaker to ensure they didn't trip(to reset the GFCI hit reset on the front of it, and for the breaker turn it off and on again). If there is anything OTHER than the sump pump plugged into that outlet it is best to unplug that and call an electrician to run a new outlet for that device (on a separate breaker).

If you have ensured there is power and there the float should be triggering in the unit it might be time to start looking for a new sump pump and/or get a professional to replace it!

-Tony