Do sump pumps need regular maintenance?

Water from under or around your home drains into a sump pump pit, and is then pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance you may have in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly.

How often should sump pumps be serviced?

Routine sump pump maintenance is recommended every three to four months with a more comprehensive procedure annually.

What maintenance should I do on my sump pump?

How often should you have your sump pump checked?

You should inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. During this process, check to see if there's any mud trapped in it, which could impede water flow. The pump may need to be replaced if it is 10 or more years old, which is the typical lifespan for one of these devices.

How much does it cost to maintain a sump pump?

Sump Pump Maintenance

Yearly maintenance costs $150 to $250. It is important to schedule regular, professional maintenance to keep your system running smoothly in order to avoid water damage that could result in costly repairs.

6 Things Sump Pump Owners NEED to Know

What's the lifespan of a sump pump?

Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won't last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working. And once it does, water damage to your home and the belongings within it can follow closely behind.

Does sump pump need cleaning?

Due to the nature of this helpful household appliance, sump pumps require regular cleaning to keep their systems functioning properly. We suggest annual sump pump cleaning, including removing and washing off the pump, clearing the check valve, removing water and debris from the pit, and more.

How do you know your sump pump is not working?

The first way to test the sump pump is to trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Both cables should be unplugged, and only the pump cord should be plugged into the outlet. If you hear a humming sound when turning on the pump, the pump works.

Can I pour water into my sump pump?

That's easy — just pour water in. Take a 5-gallon bucket filled with water, and then slowly pour the water in (think about the rate which rain water may enter the pump) until the float triggers your pump to activate.

How often should you clean your sump pump pit?

Your sump pump should be cleaned at least once every three months. All homes are different though, so if you notice that your sump pit collects more build-up than what might be considered “average,” we encourage you to clean it more regularly.

Do sump pumps have oil?

Do Sump Pumps Have Oil? Yes! Sump pump (and most other motors) use oil to lubricate and keep things on the inside running properly. Some pumps use different types of oil like turbine oil so make sure to check the owners manual so you buy the correct kind.

How do I clean my sump pump debris?

Why is there always water in my sump pit?

It's perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump's float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.

Why is my sump pit always dry?

This is usually due to the season you happen to be going through. During wetter times the chances of your sump pump pit being wetter than at other times is greater. During dryer seasons, your sump pump pit will usually be considerably dryer than at other times of the year.

Why does my sump pump smell like sewage?

Dry sump pump.

After long periods of use, sump pumps dry out. When this happens, the sewer gas that collects in the pump gets released into the home because the water no longer shields the air from the gases. In the best case, this simply causes a foul odor.

What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?

The most common mechanical problem that causes a sump pump failure is a stuck switch. This primarily occurs when the pump shifts inside the basin, causing the float that operates the switch to become ineffective by lodging itself against the side of the pump.

Will my basement flood if sump pump fails?

If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.

How do you clear a sump pump drain?

Avoid pulling up on the float switch or power cord. Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.

Should every basement have a sump pump?

If your house is built on a concrete slab (no basement) then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement. So—no basement—no need for a sump pump.

Can I replace a sump pump myself?

When your home has a sump pump, you want it working to keep rainwater out of your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it, it's a DIY job you can handle yourself.

Why is my sump pump so loud?

The Pump Extends Out of The Sump Pit

One of the most common causes of a noisy pumping system is that the sump pump system is not actually placed within the sump pit. If the system is not correctly placed, underneath the ground, then the noise will more than likely echo around your basement.

Should you turn off your sump pump in the winter?

Never unplug your sump pump.

While you might think you don't need your sump pump over the winter months, you shouldn't unplug it entirely. If a warm front comes through, snow melts and a rainstorm hits, you might end up with a wet basement all because you forgot to plug your sump pump back in.

Why does my sump pump smell like rotten eggs?

Why does my sump pump smell like rotten eggs? An unpleasant, rotten egg smell is usually because your pit has dried out and sulfur dioxide smells are coming up from the sewer. It can be eliminated with a small layer of water in the pit and cleaning the drain pipes.