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:

1. 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.
2. Pour Water: Use a 5-gallon bucket to slowly pour water into the sump pit.
3. Watch for Activation: As the water level rises, the float switch should lift, and the pump should kick on automatically.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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5 Beneficial Spring Plumbing Projects

Spring is in the air and summer is on the horizon. As we work through spring cleaning and prepare our plumbing for the transition, you may be wondering what else you can do beyond simple maintenance. Read on to learn more about five beneficial spring plumbing projects to consider for your home.

1. Repair or Replace Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your home against flooding, so you want to address concerns ASAP. Sump pumps typically last around 10 years, but you should test them each spring by dumping a bucket of water into the pit. Call Robillard for professional inspection, repair, and/or replacement of your sump pump and battery backup should you notice any issues.

2. Update Faucets and Fixtures in Bathrooms and Kitchen

Installing new faucets and fixtures gives your home an updated, stylish look. Plus, since old fixtures can crack and/or rot without obvious signs of damage, upgrading them can also help the plumbing run properly.

3. Replacing and repairing outside faucets

If you notice there is dripping or notice leaks inside your home when a hose is turned on, there is potentially a pipe that froze in the winter and cracked when the temperature began to warm. This needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Also make sure that you turn your main water valve off and on, because if it is left untouched, it can become difficult to turn on over time.

4. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Without proper drainage, your plumbing could experience wastewater backups or other more serious (and more costly) issues. Prevent these problems by having your drains professionally tested and cleaned as part of your spring-cleaning checklist.

And while you’re at it…

5. Have Your Pipes Professionally Inspected

The piping in your plumbing system isn’t indestructible, and it’s not always easy to tell if major repairs or replacements are needed. The best move is to schedule a professional inspection, especially if you’re experiencing decreased water pressure, irregular noises and smells, and/or other plumbing issues more frequently.

We’ve already seen Minnesota’s unpredictable weather in action this season, and summer is right around the corner. As you prepare your home for the transition, consider adding these beneficial spring projects to the list. And for professional assistance and service, rely on the experienced master plumbers at Robillard.

Contact us to learn more and for all your plumbing service and product needs.

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