How to Know Your Sump Pump is Working (or Not Working)

A sump pump is a plumbing machine installed in the basement to prevent water accumulation. The machine is used to pump water from the foundation of the building to prevent the effect of water on the structure or floods in your basement.

The quickest way to figure out if your sump pump is working or not is to check if excess water is lying in the basement. However, there are some cases where the pump may still be working but not efficiently. The basement will be flooded with water if the pump is not fully functioning. This article will walk you through some tips you can use to check if your sump pump is working or not.

There are different types of sump pumps on the market. Each type has a specific capacity, cost, quality, and lifespan.

Submersible sump pumps use a motor placed below the water level in the sump pump pit. This type faces pump issues but is safe, efficient, and powerful.
Pedestal sump pumps place the motor above water level. The pump is fully optimized with a whole-house dehumidifier. The motor or the pump is affected by humidity.
Non-motorized water-powered pumps do not use electricity. However, they have lower functioning and cannot manage heavy rainstorms. These pumps are suitable in the Midwest due to their low capacity.

Here are some ways to test your sump pump.

Run a test on the pump and outlet pipe

Listen to the basement for excess groundwater. The pump automatically comes on to remove the water before turning it off. Afterward, open the cover and expect the sump pit or crock. If the water is drained, the pump may still be working, but if the water is high, the pump may be faulty. Check for damages or obstructions like debris in the pump. Also, check the outlet pipe for blockage and the valve function.

Ensure electric components are working

The sump pump works better on Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The interrupter protects the pump from the short circuit when submerged in water. The first test is to unplug the machine and plug it back to see if it turns on immediately. If it does not, or delay before working, get a battery-based backup pump to assist the sump pump. The battery pump will take control when the sump pump fails.

Pour some water into the sump pit

Fill the sump pit with five gallons of water. Once the pit is filled, the pump should turn on immediately to remove the excess water from the basement floor. However, if the pump does not turn on quickly, the machine may have clogged or damaged parts.

Cleaning and maintenance

You can test whether your sump pump is working or not by cleaning it and calling for maintenance. The process will check for mud trapped in the pump stopping smooth water flow. In addition, you may need a new one once the pump is above 10 years. It is advisable to replace the sump pump after 5 to 7 years.

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