Let’s be honest: nobody thinks about their sump pump until they’re standing ankle-deep in a flooded basement. It’s the unsung hero of your home, tucked away in a dark corner, waiting for the next big rainstorm to save your drywall.
But like any hero, it needs a regular “training day.” You don’t want to find out the motor is seized up when the water is already rising. Here is a simple guide to testing your sump pump like a pro.
1. The Visual Check
Before you even touch a drop of water, take a look into the pit.
- Clear the Debris: Dirt, gravel, or even small toys can make their way into the basin. These can jam the “float” (the part that tells the pump to turn on) or clog the intake.
- Check the Power: It sounds obvious, but make sure it’s plugged into a GFCI outlet. These outlets can trip, leaving your pump powerless without you even knowing it.
2. The “Dry Run” Test
Find the two cords plugged into your wall. One is for the pump motor, and one is for the float switch.
- The Shortcut: Unplug both cords, then plug the pump motor cord directly into the wall.
- The Result: If you hear the motor hum immediately, the pump itself is working. Don’t let it run like this for more than a second or two, as running “dry” can damage the motor.
3. The Real-Deal Water Test
This is the most reliable way to make sure the system works exactly as it should during a storm.
- Grab a 5-Gallon Bucket: Fill it with water.
- Pour Slowly: Pour the water into the sump pit.
- Watch the Float: As the water level rises, the float (which looks like a tethered ball or a vertical cylinder) should lift.
- The “Kick-On”: Once the float reaches a certain height, the pump should automatically kick on, drain the water quickly, and shut itself back off.
4. Check the “Check Valve”
While the pump is running, listen for a loud THUD when it shuts off. That’s usually the check valve doing its job – preventing water that was just pumped out from falling right back down into the pit. If you see water rushing back into the basin after the pump stops, your check valve might be failing.
How Often Should You Do This?
If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, you should run this test once every few months and definitely before the rainy season hits.
Pro Tip: If your pump is more than 10 years old, it’s living on borrowed time. Consider a battery backup system so you’re protected even if the power goes out during a storm!
Contact Wilbur’s For All Your Sump Pump Needs in Birmingham, AL and the Surrounding Areas
If your pump is making a grinding noise, failing the bucket test, or just looks like it’s seen better days, don’t risk a flooded basement. The team at Wilbur’s offers sump pump installation you can count on. Contact us today!
