How often should I check my sump pump?

Normally, it is recommended that they are tested every three to four months, but in many cases, it may be wise to test and clean it more often. Tests should involve the opening of the inlet screen and cleaning it out, which is most important.

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 does a sump pump need to be cleaned?

Clean your sump pump and basin at least every three months. However, you should clean it more often if it runs frequently. Also, test your pump every month and inspect the pump every year to prevent sump pump failures. Monthly – Test the pump by adding water to the basin until it turns on.

How do you maintain a sump pump?

Should I test my sump pump?

It's important to test your sump pump periodically during the rainy months to prevent a flooded basement and water damage.

6 Things Sump Pump Owners NEED to Know

How do you tell if your sump pump is clogged?

Sump pumps typically expel any water collected via discharge lines. When discharge lines become frozen or clogged, the system fails. Discharge lines should be clear and covered.

How do you know when a sump pump is going bad?

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.

Should there be water in my sump pump 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.

How do you test a sump pump?

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.

Why does my sump pump smell like poop?

Why does my sump pump smell like poop? A poop or garbage smell from your sump pit means there is a build up in your pipes that needs to be cleaned.

Can I pour bleach in my sump pump?

A DIY remedy to remove sump pump odors is to use a bleach solution in the sump pit. Create a diluted bleach solution, 1 cup bleach for every 1 gallon of fresh water. Pour the solution into the sump basin until water volume activates the float switch and the sump pump turns on.

Why does my sump smell like sewage?

A broken sewer line near or beneath your foundation may gradually leech raw sewage into the ground water. When tainted ground water enters the sump basin, the distinct smell of sewage is emitted.

How do you maintenance a pump?

Why is my sump pump always full?

A sump pump that is always full means there is either a continuous flow of water into the pit or a pump malfunction. A high water table, partially blocked discharge lines, or burst pipes can all cause a constant flow into the pump pit: If the water table is too high, raising the sump pit can help.

What should a sump pump sound like?

Low humming noises from a sump pump are often completely normal. However, if the pump begins humming louder than usual and/or is not pumping water, it's time to investigate.

Why are there 2 sump pumps in my basement?

The reason for 2 sump pumps per pit is to ensure you have a fail-safe in case the first one, or your home's power fails. Now, if you have a whole-home generator, the battery backup can be replaced with a secondary Primary Sump Pump.

What is the average life expectancy 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.

Will basement flood if sump pump fails?

If your sump pump fails, your basement could flood, which is why it's important to inspect your sump pump to ensure everything is working properly. But sometimes, no matter what steps you take, your sump pump can overflow anyway. If this happens, it's important to act quickly to prevent flooding and water damage.

What can damage a sump pump?

Is it normal for a sump pump to run every 3 minutes?

It is not normal for a sump pump to run constantly. If your sump pump runs every minute and you are not experiencing a large increase in the water table in your area, then this points to something being wrong with your pump.

Should a sump pump run all the time?

Sump pumps should not be running constantly and if they are then it is more than likely that there is a problem. If water starts to enter your basement, then this is when the sump pump kicks into life and starts the process or removing water from the basement.

What does a failing sump pump sound like?

Normally the only sound a sump pump makes is a low continuous hum, but if it starts making loud and unusual noises, then it's time for a repair. A rattling or grinding noise can indicate something wrong with the impeller or fan. Failure to turn on.

Why do I hear water running in my sump pump?

Sump pumps sometimes make this sound if the pre-set-shut-off off height has not been set correctly. Ideally, the pump is meant to turn off before the water moves to the pump's intake point. The sound is like that of someone sucking liquid through a straw, and it commonly happens when the pump dries.

Can you snake a sump pump?

Insert a plumber's snake into the end of the pipe that was connected to the pump, and then try to push the snake through toward the other end.