How to Maintain Your Sump Pump After Installation

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we walk through some simple and practical steps to maintain your sump pump and keep it working like a champ. If you'd rather have a trained plumber investigate, then call or message Mr. Rooter to speak with a live representative.

TIP 1: Test Your Pump Regularly

You don’t want to find out your sump pump isn’t working in the middle of a storm. That’s why testing it is so important. It's simple:

• Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit.
• Watch to see if the pump turns on and drains the water quickly.

If nothing happens - or it’s sluggish - then you might have an issue. That’s when calling an experienced plumber makes all the difference. A trained eye can figure out if it’s a quick fix or if something bigger is going on.

TIP 2: Keep It Clean

Dirt, gravel, and debris can build up in your sump pit over time. That buildup can clog the pump’s intake and make the motor work harder or even stop altogether.

Every few months, unplug the pump and remove it from the pit (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Rinse it off, clear away any gunk, and wipe down the inside of the basin.

If you’re not comfortable taking it apart, then call a reputable plumbing company like Mr. Rooter Plumbing to have a local plumber do a thorough cleaning and inspection.

TIP 3: Check the Discharge Line

Your sump pump works by moving water away from your home. If the discharge pipe is clogged, frozen, or damaged, then water will have nowhere to go - and that could mean a flooded basement.

Get in the habit of walking around your property after a heavy rain. Make sure water is flowing freely out of the pipe and draining far away from your foundation. If you spot blockages or leaks, get them fixed right away.

TIP 4: Inspect the Float Switch

The float switch is like the pump’s on/off button. It rises with the water level and tells the pump when to start working. If the switch gets stuck or fails, then your pump might not turn on. Worse, it could run nonstop until it burns out.

Test the switch during your regular water test. If it feels stuck or doesn’t move freely, then it’s time for a closer look. In some cases, this can be solved with a quick adjustment. In others, it’s better to call a plumber for professional plumbing repair service.

TIP 5: Back It Up with Battery Power

Storms and power outages often go hand in hand - and this is exactly when you need your sump pump the most. A battery backup system keeps your pump running even when the lights go out.

This is especially important if your area is prone to heavy storms. When you choose Mr. Rooter for your installation, we can integrate backup power during the same project. Our professionals can also upgrade a backup so you’re never left unprotected.

TIP 6: Schedule a Yearly Professional Check-Up

Even if your pump seems to be running fine, an annual inspection can catch small problems before they turn into big and expensive ones. During an inspection, our professional will check electrical connections, test performance, and make sure every component is in working order.

We give you a price quote upfront and we back our workmanship so that you can rest assured. Still have questions? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a member of our team.