Sump Pump Maintenance Guide for Homeowners
In Minnesota, we spend all winter dreaming of the summer sun. But as any longtime Minnesotan knows, summer brings more than just warm breezes—it can also bring heavy rain and storms.
When the rain starts pouring, your home’s first line of defense against a flooded basement is your sump pump. Because these systems can sit idle for weeks during dry spells, it is critical to ensure they are ready to handle the heavy workload of a summer storm.
Follow these sump pump maintenance tips to make sure your basement stays dry all season long.
Perform the Bucket Test
You don’t need to be a master plumber to perform a basic check of your sump pump. Follow these steps to ensure your system is operational:
- Clear the Pit: Look into your sump pit. Remove any debris, gravel, or toys that may have fallen in. These items can clog the pump’s intake or jam the float switch.
- Pour Water: Use a 5-gallon bucket to slowly pour water into the sump pit.
- Watch for Activation: As the water level rises, the float switch should lift, and the pump should kick on automatically.
- Monitor the Discharge: Ensure the water is being pumped out of the pit and discharged outside, generally 10–20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
- The pump should run smoothly. If you hear grinding, squealing, or notice it struggling to pump the water out, it’s time to call in a professional.
Check the Battery Backup
In northwest metro suburbs like Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, and Rogers, heavy thunderstorms are often accompanied by power outages. A standard sump pump is an electrical appliance—if the power goes out, the pump stops. That’s why it’s important to have a battery backup pump.
Most battery pumps have a test button. You can also check its functionality by unplugging the primary pump while there’s water in the pit; the backup should kick in within a few seconds.
Most backup batteries should be replaced every three to five years. If your battery is older than that, it may not hold a charge long enough to get you through a power outage.
Clean Your Sump Pump
The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA) recommends cleaning your pump’s screen or inlet opening every three to four months. More frequent cleaning may be required if your sump pump collects discharge from a washing machine.
The SSPMA recommends removing the pump and cleaning both it and the pit once a year.
Always disconnect the pump from its electrical power source before cleaning it, but make sure to plug it in again when you’re finished.
Keep in mind that how often you should clean your sump pump depends on its specific model, so you should check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Professional Help
If your DIY bucket test revealed any of the following, do not wait for the next storm:
- The pump does not turn on: This indicates a failed float switch or a dead motor.
- The pump runs continuously: If the pump never shuts off even when the pit is empty, it can burn out the motor. This often points to a check valve issue or water backflowing into the pit.
- Strange Noises: Clicking, rattling, or thumping sounds are signs of internal mechanical wear.
- Strong Odors: A smelly pit can indicate standing, stagnant water or issues with the drainage line.
Expert Sump Pump Services in the Northwest Metro
At Robillard Plumbing, we have been helping Minnesota families protect their homes from water damage since 1986. Whether you need simple sump pump maintenance work, a new high-capacity pump installation, or an upgrade to a reliable battery backup system, we’re here to help.
Don’t let a summer storm leave you with a flooded basement.
Call Robillard Plumbing today at (763) 424-5514 to schedule your sump pump inspection and ensure your home is ready for whatever storm season brings!
