The Right Way to Test a Sump Pump

If you live in an area prone to flooding, you most likely already own a sump pump. This device is usually installed in the basement or crawl space under the house to stop the groundwater from accumulating, thus preventing moisture from seeping into the foundation of your property. In addition, it can be extremely useful during heavy rains and serious storms.

However, if your sump pump stops working, water could easily seep into the foundation walls and basement floor of your house, resulting in mold and mildew infestation. If the damage goes undetected for long, you may even find yourself calling a home restoration company while standing ankle-deep in groundwater.

So, what can homeowners do to prevent things from taking a turn for the worse?

The answer is simple: test your sump pump twice a year to ensure everything is working correctly.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Before you get ready to test a sump pump, you must first understand how it works.

This device is installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house and remains on standby for most of the time. It can detect the rising groundwater and swiftly move it away from the property through drainpipes. This pump is usually placed in a two-foot-deep hole and contains a floating switch that completes the circuit once the water gets past a certain level. Moreover, the one-way valve ensures the drained water does not flow back into the pit.

Many sump pumps are also equipped with alarms to alert homeowners about the rising water level. If that happens, it means the water is rising too rapidly for the device to expel it, or the system has malfunctioned. In either case, you may want to contact a home restoration company in your area to mitigate the water damage.

What Are the Advantages of Installing a Sump Pump?

These are some of the top reasons why every homeowner must invest in this device.

• It prevents your basement and crawlspace from flooding
• A sump pump reduces the risk of mold and mildew infestation
• It removes condensation from the air conditioning system
• It protects the wall paint and wallpaper in your basement from peeling
• The pump keeps your basement appliances, such as the washing machine and spare refrigerator, from corroding
• It improves indoor air quality and keeps your basement dry throughout the air
• A sump pump protects the foundation of your home from sustaining damage due to flooding

How to Test a Sump Pump?

Here is how you can test a sump pump to ensure it is working perfectly.

Method #1: Turn It Off and On

Hear us out because this popular “hack” may actually have some substance to it.

Sump pumps typically have two separate plugs connected to the electrical outlet, one for the float switch and another for the motor. To test the device, consider switching off both plugs and then only switching on the one meant for the motor. If the pump turns on immediately, it is working fine and can protect your home against water damage. In that case, you can switch on the other plug as well.

However, if the sump pump does not turn on, it probably needs to be repaired.

Method #2: Fill Your Sump Pit with Water

Another way to test a sump pump is by filling its pit with water. Once the water reaches the top of the pit, the float switch will turn on the pump and move the water towards the drainpipe. But if it does not activate even when the pit is completely filled with water, you may have to call in a licensed professional to check the switch.

Bonus Tip: Clean the Debris Around Exterior Drainpipe

Sump pumps usually direct water away from the property by moving it towards a dry well or storm drain through a pipe. To make sure your house doesn’t get flooded during heavy downpours, please don’t forget to remove any dirt or debris that may gather around the pump or the pipe, clogging it.

On average, a sump pump can last for over a decade, making it a worthwhile investment for all homeowners. It protects your property against structural damage and keeps your home safe even when the groundwater rises to dangerous levels. However, the lifespan of this device depends largely on how often you use it and how well you treat it. If your sump pump remains on standby for a better part of the year, please make sure to check it periodically to avoid any problems.

911 Restoration of Suffolk County

Are you looking for a home restoration company in Patchogue, Coram, Medford, and surrounding areas? If yes, 911 Restoration of Suffolk County can help you out.

Our team of IIRC-certified technicians offers emergency roof repair and boarding up, emergency storm repairs and disaster restoration, emergency pack-out, complete water extraction, drying, and dehumidifying services. Apart from water damage restoration, we also offer sewage backup clean-up, mold removal, sanitization, and other services that can protect your property from further harm.

So, if your sump pump is out of order and water is seeping into your basement, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you 24/7 all 365 days of the year.