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Don’t let its whimsical, poetic name fool you; your sump pump means serious business. 

Especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall and snow, sump pumps are devices that keep excess moisture from seeping onto your property and flooding it. Similar to sewage ejector pumps, they’re typically installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space. Their purpose is to remove the water that collects in the sump pit — or, sump basin — and prevent it from damaging your property.

Even when working properly, sump pump inspection and maintenance are imperative. So let’s review sump pumps together and make sure we understand how to test a sump pump so that our living spaces and their furnishings stay dry when the world outside isn’t.

How Does Your Sump Pump Work?

Sump pumps activate automatically when water in the sump pit collects and rises to a designated level. Once the water reaches this level, a device called the float switch signals to your sump pump that it’s time to start pumping water out of the pit.

To do this, sump pumps are equipped with rotating components called impellers that generate centrifugal force and push water toward the sides of the pump and up through what’s called the discharge pipe. As water is pumped out through the discharge pipe, more water flows into the pit to replace it, creating a continuous cycle of water removal. A check valve is located in the discharge pipe to prevent water from flowing back into the pit once it’s been pumped out, ensuring efficient drainage away from your home’s foundation.

Once the water level in the pit drops below the activation level, the float switch deactivates the pump until enough water accumulates, triggering the process all over again.

Why Regular Testing Is Important

Like all plumbing maintenance checks, a regular sump pump test ensures that your system is functioning properly and minimizes the frequency of costly unit repairs. More importantly, as long as your sump pump works when it’s needed, you don’t have to worry about water damage from basement flooding. 

Preparation Before Testing

Before you perform a sump pump test, unplug the pump itself and suit up with protective gear — including gloves and safety goggles. From there you’ll want to perform a visual inspection to check for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure that the drain pipe outside is clear of debris such as leaves or dirt.

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing a Sump Pump

Now it’s time to perform the sump pump test. We suggest two methods, as follows:

Method 1: Manual Test

1. Locate the Sump Pump: Again, your sump pump is typically situated in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space within the 2-foot-deep sump pit.
2. Reset the Power: Unplug the pump and plug it back in to perform a reset.
3. Fill the Pit with Water: Use a bucket to pour water into the sump pit until the float switch rises to its designated level.
4. Observe the Pump: Watch for the pump to turn on and begin pumping water out.
5. Check the Discharge Pipe: Ensure water is flowing out of the discharge pipe without any leaks or blockages.

Method 2: Testing the Float Switch

1. Locate the Float Switch: Identify the float switch inside the sump pit.
2. Manually Lift the Float: Carefully lift the float to simulate rising water levels.
3. Observe the Pump Activation: Check if the pump turns on as the float is lifted.

Troubleshooting Common Sump Pump Issues

Below are some of the common issues you might encounter when performing a sump pump inspection, along with some troubleshooting tips to address them.

1. Pump Doesn’t Turn On: Checking the power source is one way to determine if the sump pump is working. Ensure the pump is plugged in properly and then inspect the circuit breaker for any tripped switches.
2. Pump Runs but Doesn’t Pump Water: Check for clogs in the discharge pipe and look for debris in the sump pit.
3. Unusual Noises: If you hear strange noises coming from any part of your sump pump system, identify the potential causes — which might include debris or worn-out parts. Depending on what you discover, you may need to enlist professional sump pump assistance to see if it’s time to replace or repair your sump pump.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Routine maintenance is the key to making sure that your sump pump works properly whenever you test it. To make sure your sump pump has the longest life possible:

• Regularly Inspect and Test Your Sump Pump: Periodically check your sump pump and its components for any signs of wear or damage.
• Clean the Sump Pit: Turn off the sump pump and make sure that household appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher aren’t in use, as they could drain into the sump pit. Using a hose or bucket, rinse the pump with water to remove debris and create a clear path for water in your sump pit and into the discharge pipe.
• Consider Backup Systems: Install a battery backup or water-powered backup system so that your sump pump can weather even the worst storms.

Recap

Regular testing of your sump pump is crucial to prevent basement flooding and water damage. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide — including visual inspection, manual testing, and float switch verification — you can be sure your sump pump is always ready to protect your home when it’s needed most. 

If, after reading this, you still have questions about how to test a sump pump, consider enlisting the professional plumbing services of T. Webber. We provide peace of mind with our expert maintenance services to keep your sump pump in working condition year-round.