How to Test a Sump Pump

Your basement is a easy target for flooding, especially with rain and melting snow. Luckily, there are many safety features to protect against such devastating events. One of the most crucial defenses against basement flooding is a sump pump, but a faulty sump pump is no better than no sump pump.

In this article brought to you by RootBusters Plumbing of Bolingbrook , we will go over how to test your sump pump, as well as some other tips. If you do not have a sump pump installed or suspect your sump pump is damaged or malfunctioning, then call RootBusters Plumbing at 844-247-7668 to hire a qualified plumber. We can schedule an appointment or arrange an emergency dispatch today.

What Is the Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device designed to keep water and moisture out of basements and crawl spaces. They are common in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding or rapidly melting snow. If and when water floods into the basement, the water leads into the sump pit. When the water reaches a certain level in the sump pit, it triggers the pump which drains the water away from the basement. It truly is as simple and useful as that!

If your sump pump stops working for whatever reason it is important to either check your sump pump your self; which we will explain later in this article, or to reach out to a plumber near you. This is to help prevent any water damage that could occur when water heys into your basement and foundation walls, causing mold and mildew, or worse your basement could flood.

Testing Your Sump Pump

There are two ways you can test your sump pump

ONE: Before you test the sump pump, you should make sure there is nothing in the way. Find the exterior pipe that catches the water draining from the sump pump and make sure the pipe is not clogged with dirt or debris. Next, make sure the sump pump is connected to its energy source and that the respective circuit breaker is not tripped.

If everything is set, it is time to test the sump pump. Fill a large bucket or pot with around five gallons of water and slowly pour the water into the sump pit. The float should rise, triggering the pump well before the water reaches the top of the pit. If the float does not rise or the pump does not activate, then you have got a problem to be addressed.

TWO: First unplug your sump pump from its power source. If you look at the outlet that your sump pump is plugged into, you should see two plugs. One of the plugs is for the float switch and the other plug is for the motor. Unplug both and then you will only plug in the one that is connected directly to the sump pump. If you notice your sump pump did not immediately turn back on then you will either need to repair or replace your existing sump pump. If you it does turn on immediately then your pump is working properly and you just need to reconnect the other plug. Not all sump pumps offer this feature, it is called a piggy back switch. You can tell if your sump pump has this feature by if the pump has two separate plugs. This is usually a feature on higher end pumps and here at RootBuster plumbing we recommend this feature.

Consider Installing a Backup Sump Pump

What happens if your sump pump fails to do its one job when an emergency strikes? If your sump pump is connected to an outlet, then what happens if the power goes out? Unless you have a battery-powered backup system, you might end up dealing with a flooded basement. Fortunately, a battery-powered backup sump pump is just one call . RootBusters Plumbing of Bolingbrook’s qualified plumbers can have that backup sump pump installed quickly. These backup systems can last up to eight hours and act as insurance on your primary system.

Schedule A Sump Pump Installation, Replacement, or Repair

Whether you need a fresh new sump pump installation or want to replace or repair your existing one, the folks at RootBusters Plumbing are ready to help. Call us any time at 844-247-7668 to speak with a courteous representative and either schedule an appointment or request an emergency dispatch. Our live representatives and reliable plumbers of the Chicago land area, are on standby 24/7 to take your call at 844-247-7668.