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8 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

8 Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Whether it’s the height of spring storms in Crete, IL, or a dry summer day, you want to know your sump pump is always ready to work when you need it the most.

Don’t wait until a storm hits to find out your sump pump isn’t working! Instead, reach out to the pros at Reid and Pederson Drainage or simply read There are preventative sump pump maintenance tips you can follow to make the most of your investment.

1) Test Your Sump Pump

You can periodically test the pump to check its status by pouring some water into your sump pump. Once it’s filled, watch to see if it starts automatically. If it doesn’t work and the power source is in working order, you have a problem and need sump pump repair. Call the experts at Reid & Pederson to schedule your sump pump repair before the next storm hits.

2) Clean Up the Sump Pump Pit

Once you’ve determined that the sump pump is working, it’s time to clean up the pit. Turn off the power source to your pit and remove any debris, dirt, and blockages from the pit. You should also make sure no one is using appliances, like a washing machine, that might drain into the sump. You can use a garden hose to rinse out the pit. and rinse it thoroughly. To get everything dried out, use a wet vac to finish up your cleaning.

3) Inspect the Discharge Line

Part of good sump pump maintenance is checking out the discharge line. A blocked discharge line can cause your water to drain slowly. Make sure to inspect your pipes and remove any obvious blockages. If possible, try to clean out any obvious blockages to get the water draining properly again.

4) Check the Power Source

If your sump pump worked during the test, then you already know the power source works. You can also visibly inspect the cord for any wear and tear. However, if you can’t get your power source to work, there may be a problem with your circuit breaker. Check your fuse box to make sure everything is in good working order.

5) Check for Worn Parts

While you’re inspecting the power source and cord, go ahead and do a visible inspection of any worn parts. Look for any obvious damage to the equipment and pit. Just like any other piece of equipment or appliance, a sump pump has a lifespan. If your sump pump is 10 years of age or older, you may need to replace it. Reid & Pederson’s team can either install a new sump pump or provide guidance on its repairability.

6) Install a Battery Backup

Sump pumps are most often used during a weather emergency. However, you’re also more likely to experience a power outage during a storm. When heavy rains roll in and cause flooding in your basement, you want to ensure your sump pump will work every time. If you don’t have a home generator, make sure your sump pump is hooked up to a battery backup to keep it working when you need it the most.

7) Stay Alert to the Warning Signs

There are usually red flags before a sump pump fails. You may hear loud, unusual noises, constant vibrating, infrequent usage, and visible rust. It’s also not a good sign if your sump pump is continuously running.

8) Schedule Professional Sump Pump Maintenance

Taking care of your sump pump is a good preventative step but you shouldn’t replace the periodic maintenance. The team at Reid & Pederson can test and maintain your sump pump to ensure everything is in good working order. Sump pump maintenance also helps you stay ahead of potentially costly repairs or a premature replacement of your sump pump.