Luckily, testing your sump pump is easy and only takes a few minutes. Its important to test your sump pump twice a year, before the spring and fall seasons, so that you can avoid flooding and make sure its ready for when you need it. Maintaining and testing a sump pump ensures that it works properly when needed. If pouring water into the sump pump is not an option, the float should be lifted, and the pump must be checked that it turns on. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water, or mould damage. This means when a weather event rolls through, theres often more water around the foundations of our homes than natural drainage can handle. While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. If you have an older unit, or if there is a lot of debris in your sump pump pit, its a good idea to test the pump more often. The pump should kick on once the water level reaches a predetermined level below the basement floor. Learn essential tips to choose a sump pump for your basement. It ensures that any accumulated water in your home and around its foundation is promptly pumped out to a storm sewer or containment pond, so it does not weaken the foundation, damage your possessions or allow your basement to flood. Pumps with a plastic body can skip this step! In Ohio were used to getting our fair share of rain, and our groundwater levels are typically pretty high. Test that everything is working correctly by disconnecting from a wall power source and adding a few buckets of water to your basin. If you get a lot of water back in the sump when the pump stops, this valve is either not present or has failed. Fill a five-gallon bucket with water and pour it slowly around the sump pump. Sump pump pits and drainage lines accumulate rocks, pebbles, dirt and other small debris that needs to be cleared from time to time. Were heartbroken to see our city in Identify The Signs That You Need a New Water Heater Replacing water heaters We're a plumbing contractor with decades of experience based in Yellow Springs Ohio, serving Beavercreek, Fairborn, Xenia and the wider Greene County area. Be careful! Resources found on our website are provided as general guidelines, and Reddi Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information. At this point, the pump should kick on. Also, the pipe should direct water well away from the homes foundation. If the pump doesnt turn on, it may be either clogged or damaged, and you should consider calling a licensed plumber for help. If you dont have a backup sump pump, you should proactively replace your pump before it stops working. Call us on (937)340-1051 immediately if youre in Greene County, Ohio. Changing a sump pump is an affordable way to get huge peace of mind that your home wont flood when the storms come. All the same, be sure you contact a professional plumber that can help if you run into any trouble. After turning the power back on, wait a few seconds for your pump to start pumping water again. Founded in 2001, the company offers fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mould mitigation and remediation, and biohazard cleanup and removal throughout the United States and Canada through its franchise network of over 300 offices. Start by filling the pump basin with a few gallons of water and allow your pump to run. If enough water gets in, the basement could flood. If you hear a humming sound when turning on the pump, the pump works. Check the pump is powered and operational (lift the small float for a second or two to make sure it kicks on). Test your alarm each quarter by holding down the test button. We usually advise customers to check their sump pumps when changing their furnace filter, and to write a reminder on the furnace filter, as these typically require changing about as often as you should be testing your sump pump. However, the pump must not run for more than a few seconds to prevent damage to the motor. As the water level rises you should see the float rising with it, until it activates the switch and starts the pump. Sump pumps typically last 10 years or more, but the lifespan really depends on how often it runs and how clean the water is that runs through it. Metal means corrosion and damage to the pump body. $100 Water Softener Savings, Special Offer Take $100 Off Water Softeners This August. If youre testing your sump pump and it doesnt seem to be working properly, contact your local plumber right away. If you test the pump without water, dont let it run more than a few seconds. Finally, consider a battery-based backup pump for your sump pump that will operate if your primary sump pump fails, for instance when the electricity goes out. The sump pump is usually installed in the basement or crawlspace near the walls of the foundation. After manually adding some water to your pump pit and verifying the pump is draining water, check that water is coming out the drainage line on the outside of your house. If there is excessive groundwater around the foundation, the pump should turn itself on, pump out the water and turn itself off again. You dont want to be stuck in a bad position wondering how to clean up after water damage. If everything is working correctly, all the water should be gone in 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure that its still directing water away from your foundation. 2022 Reddi Industries. The two cords must be connected back as they were (the float cord first, then the pump cord into the back of the float plug). The pump should quickly drop the water level of the sump to normal and automatically stop. If the pump doesnt turn on immediately, your pump needs to be repaired or replaced. When was the last Take $100 Off Water Softeners This August! All rights reserved. Also check for gutter leaks. Sump pumps are essential for protecting your home against water damage during heavy-rains and serious storms. If your pump is old (or you dont know when it was last changed), changing it is often a worthwhile precaution. This protects it from a potential short while it is submerged. Keep reading to learn the exact step by step process our team uses as well as a few tips and tricks for testing and inspecting sealed pumps, pumps with one cord, and pumps without a float switch.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'sumppumpproblem_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sumppumpproblem_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; There are a few ways to test a sump pump. If your sump pump runs often, consider replacing it every 5-7 years. Thishelpful videowill show you how to inspect and test a sump pump. Both cables should be unplugged, and only the pump cord should be plugged into the outlet. Water powered sump pumps can be tested with a garden hose and a bucket but electrical pumps are sensitive to motor burnout to you have to be careful dry running the pump. License #1589. At least, that's what it should do - if thesump pumpis not regularly and properly tested, then you cannot guarantee that it will come through in a pinch. This should turn on the pump and you should hear the motor running. Multimeters are handheld devices that let you test a number of electrical connections. If your pump system is equipped with a backup battery or you installed one yourself it is important to test if it is working, and the battery is charged. Sump pumps remove any excess water in your basement, crawlspaces and around your foundation, and transport that water away from your home. Whats the Difference Between Copper, PEX, PVC, and CPVC Plumbing Pipes. The good news is that there is a straightforward protocol for testing a sump pump. Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water. You will also want to see if the outlet pipe that carries water from the pump to outside your home is free of blockage. All rights reserved. Sump pumps have a float system that is similar to a toilet. Remember, always properly turn off your pump or your risk a power surge frying the circuits! Testing a sump pump takes less than 5 minutes. While its on, the water must be pumping out, and the pump should turn itself off when it removed all the water. Sump pumps should be fitted with a little valve that prevents the head of water in the pipe from flowing back to the sump. All available services, hours of operations, pricing structure, and guarantees may vary by location. If it is a WIFI alarm make sure it is still connected to the internet and sending alerts to your email or phone! One is for the float switch, the other is for the motor. Any debris found inside the pump should be removed to ensure the pump will not clog. Pour the contents of your bucket into the sump pit. Get the water as far from your home as possible. If the pump kicks on your battery is working. Recovered rain water is a great way to do this in a more environmentally conscious way. Sump pumps should be checked twice a year, before the spring and fall seasons. You can also try unplugging it and plugging it back in to see if it turns on immediately. They are essential in any area with a high water table and will prevent your basement from flooding. During this process, check to see if there's any mud trapped in it, which could impede water flow. Replace the lid and note the day you tested it. One cord is the pump cord and the other float cord. Do it Best has been proudly serving the do-it-yourselfer since 1945. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article. You should inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. One unplug the pumps power, then plug it back in. Call today for service 937-340-1051, YS GREENE Water Systems & Plumbing | Water Heaters | Softeners | Filters, Sale Ending soon! Pumps should be changed every 5 years. If you look at the outlet where you sump pump is plugged in, you should see two separate plugs. See details and services for this location. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sumppumpproblem_com-box-4','ezslot_3',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sumppumpproblem_com-box-4-0')};For this part, test out your pump by filling the pit with water and then letting it run. We should be changing furnace filters monthly or every 2 months in most installations, so its a good reminder to take an extra 5 minutes to test your sump pump. Estimates are always free and well give you a clear price up front to replace your sump pump. A sump pump moves excess ground water away from your foundation. Lets take a quick look at a few ways you can test your pump without having to call a plumber. Check where the pumped water discharges. Don't forget to stop by your local Do it Best store or shop online at doitbest.com for sump pumps and sump pump parts. Over time small pebbles and other particles of dirt will build up in your pump pit. These bits can cause serious damage if they get inside your pump and can clog your drain lines. The first way to test the sump pump is to trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. This simple test could save you from a flooded basement. It prevents accidental falls and keeps critters, debris and everything else out of the sump. If its working, re-connect the cords and plug them back in. Here is what you can do: Start by listening. Sump pumps are typically pretty simple and user-friendly. Sump pumps typically last up to 10 years, but if it runs often, you may consider replacing it every 5-7 years. You will want to get a few buckets of water or agarden hosethrough the window. Always check for corrosion and rust on metal parts when cleaning your pump as it is a sign of future problems on the horizon! Installing a sump pump in your basement is good but you still need to test it on a regular basis. If the pump worked properly, reconnect the other plug and youre done. They really are the unsung heroes, without wed have standing water in basements and damage to property several times a year, and all the side effects that come with high moisture levels in homes (mold, bugs, smells and structural damage). Unplug the two cords, and plug in the pump cord only. Testing is still possible in the same way as a normal pump with a few buckets of water to activate the motor and simulate rising water. If youre not able to add water to the pump, you can lift the float arm up and see if the pump turns on. Always start by checking the manufacturers owners manual for pump specific tests! If the pump does activate, it should lower the water level in the pit, removing almost all of the water. Call us at Nationwide at (888) 831-2879 or send it in and our team will lend you a hand! The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Remove these by hand to prevent clogs and interior pump damage. Ensure the lid is fitted to your sump pump. Its important to test your sump pump periodically during the rainy months to prevent a flooded basement and water damage. The second way to test your sump pump is by running water through it. The best way to test anything electric is to turn it off and on. Spring and fall often mean heavy rain in the Wichita area. Tips to Keep a Sump Pump Discharge Line from Freezing, How to Choose a Sump Pump for Your Basement FAQ, tips to choose a sump pump for your basement. Even the most powerful pump wont keep your basement dry if the drainage pipes are clogged. Cycling the power will reset the motor and possibly the CPU if the pump has an onboard computer. PuroClean is a leading commercial and residential restoration franchising company. And the check valve is working properly. Have a question about your Sump Pump? Check your equipment instruction manuals before testing or working with equipment. Sump pumps are far too easy to ignore until its too late. Sump pumps are only good in an emergency if they work, so take the time and test your sump pump regularly! Note, Its perfectly normal for the water level to rise slightly after the pump stops and drains. Fill your sump pit with enough water to raise the float until the pump kicks on. Learn more. An alarm does you no good if it does not work. If you need your sump pump tested, serviced, or replaced give us a call at 316-847-4277. If the water level is low, chances are good the pump is working properly. Call today for service 937-340-1051. Write a reminder to yourself on your furnace filter. Our lowest prices of the A Sad Day In Dayton, Ohio. Check the grading of the landscape around gutter downspouts and sump pump discharges. A simple french drain or some downspout extensions can make a huge difference and keep sump levels much lower. The pump is activated when the float reaches a high level, pumping water from the pit outside of the home and far enough away from basement walls that it wont immediately return. If your sump pump only has one cord, you can test it by slowly pouring 5 gallons of water into the pump pit. Were a plumbing contractor with decades of experience based in Yellow Springs Ohio, serving Beavercreek, Fairborn, Xenia and the wider Greene County area. Locate the two cords running to an outlet from your sump pump. Yard grading makes a huge difference in how your home gets water away from its foundation. Examine the sump pump for any signs of external damage, as well as any obstructions (like debris) in the surrounding pit. If youre filling the pit and the water level gets near the top of the pit, but the pump doesnt activate, you may have a bad switch. After locating the exit pipe, which drains out water from the pump outside the home, it should be inspected to ensure its not clogged with dirt or debris. Once the water gets pumped, make sure that the pump turns itself off. Water Softener Sale Ends August 31st! To learn more about sump pumps, refer to this helpfulsump pump infographic. Sump pumps are devices that help keep properties safe from water damage. Copyright 2006-2022 Roto-Rooter. The float should rise and the pump should then turn on. If these methods of testing a sump pump dont work, it should be serviced immediately. The sump pit is typically 2-3 feet deep and 18 inches wide, and should have a lid. Many older homes allow the sump pump to dump water too close to the foundation. Sealed sump pumps are more difficult to test since you cant access all of the basin. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. When a storm occurs, sump pumps remove excess water around the foundation a property, transporting it away. The sump pump should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. If your pump stops working, water could get into your basement and foundation walls, causing mold and mildew. You can also locate your sump pump in the basement or crawlspace, and remove any debris that may have gathered in or around your pump to prevent it from clogging. This method wont confirm water will actually be pumped out, however. The sump pump test should be repeated to ensure the device works. Testing a sump pump without electricity is tough but not impossible. How to Test a Sump Pump Without Electricity, How to Test a Sump Pump Switch with a Multimeter. Heres how to test a sump pump. Next, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit (or crock). Unplug both of them, and then plug in just the one going to the pump. All available services, hours of operations, pricing structure, and guarantees may vary by location. The pump cord will be plugged into the back of the float cord. All rights reserved. If youre a homeowner who lives in an area with a lot of groundwater we recommend running the test for twice as long. Exterior Holiday Decorations & Accessories, Screwdriver Bits, Nut Setters & Bit Holders, Fuel Cans, Fluid Containers & Accessories, Wall Boards, Message Holders & Accessories, Decorative Landscape Structures & Accessories. Attach your multimeter to the pump and run a test using a bucket of water the electrical numbers should match what shows in your owners manual! Many homes use sump pumps to prevent ground water from getting into the basement or crawl space. There are two ways you can check that your sump pump is working correctly. Since not all sump pumps have two wires, heres how to test single-corded sump pumps: Approximately 20 litres of water should be poured into the pump pit slowly until the float rises. A sump pump is one of the most useful pieces of basement plumbing equipment. Its an inexpensive fix, so call us! The pump may need to be replaced if it is 10 or more years old, which is the typical lifespan for one of these devices. Sump pumps are a high output transfer pump that remove water from your home. Skipping out on tests and other maintenance is a good way to flood your basement when the pump fails!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sumppumpproblem_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sumppumpproblem_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; It is recommended you are testing your pump system at least once every 3 months and more often if your basement receives a lot of groundwater. Yourlocal Roto-Rooterplumber has lots of experience with sump pumps and can replace your old pump and even install a battery backup system if needed. It takes only a few minutes to test a sump pump and doesnt require special skills. The sump pump sits in a sump pit, usually in a corner of the basement. Otherwise, you risk damaging the pump motor.