Your sump pump sits quietly in a pit in your basement or crawlspace, waiting for groundwater to rise. When it works, you never think about it. When it fails during heavy weather, you find out fast and expensively. Here is how to make sure it is ready.
Test it before the season
The simplest test: slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit until the float rises. The pump should kick on, pump the water out, and shut off cleanly. If it does not start, runs weakly, or fails to shut off, it needs attention now — not during a storm.
What to check
- The float switch: Make sure it moves freely and is not stuck or obstructed by debris.
- The discharge line: Confirm water actually exits the house and drains away from the foundation, not right back toward it.
- The pit: Clear out gravel, dirt, and debris that can clog the intake.
- Power: Verify it is plugged into a working outlet and the cord is in good shape.
The backup question
Here is the catch most people miss: a sump pump runs on electricity, and heavy storms are exactly when the power goes out. A battery backup pump keeps working through an outage — the single most valuable upgrade for anyone who has ever worried about their basement. It is worth asking about if your finished basement or stored belongings are at stake.
When to call
If your pump is more than a few years old, runs constantly, cycles oddly, or failed your bucket test, have it looked at before you are relying on it. Smith services and installs sump pumps and backups — learn more here — and would rather help you prep than pump out your basement later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my sump pump?
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit until the float rises. The pump should switch on, pump the water out, and shut off cleanly. If it does not start, runs weakly, or fails to shut off, it needs attention before storm season.
Do I need a battery backup for my sump pump?
It is the most valuable upgrade for anyone worried about their basement. A sump pump runs on electricity, and heavy storms are exactly when power goes out — a battery backup keeps it working through an outage.
How often should a sump pump run?
It should run only when groundwater rises enough to lift the float. A pump that runs constantly, cycles oddly, or is more than a few years old is worth having looked at before you are relying on it.