{"id":328,"date":"2026-06-18T14:25:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/blog\/?p=328"},"modified":"2026-06-18T14:25:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:25:44","slug":"sump-pump-maintenance-guide-for-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.robillardplumbing.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/18\/sump-pump-maintenance-guide-for-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"Sump Pump Maintenance Guide for Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Minnesota, we spend all winter dreaming of the summer sun. But as any longtime Minnesotan knows, summer brings more than just warm breezes\u2014it can also bring heavy rain and storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the rain starts pouring, your home\u2019s first line of defense against a flooded basement is your sump pump<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow these sump pump maintenance tips to make sure your basement stays dry all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perform the Bucket Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  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\u2019s intake or jam the float switch.<\/li>
  2. Pour Water: Use a 5-gallon bucket to slowly pour water into the sump pit.<\/li>
  3. Watch for Activation: As the water level rises, the float switch should lift, and the pump should kick on automatically.<\/li>
  4. Monitor the Discharge: Ensure the water is being pumped out of the pit and discharged outside, generally 10\u201320 feet away from your home\u2019s foundation.<\/li>
  5. The pump should run smoothly. If you hear grinding, squealing, or notice it struggling to pump the water out, it\u2019s time to call in a professional.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Check the Battery Backup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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\u2014if the power goes out, the pump stops. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to have a battery backup pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Most battery pumps have a test button. You can also check its functionality by unplugging the primary pump while there\u2019s water in the pit; the backup should kick in within a few seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clean Your Sump Pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA) recommends<\/a> cleaning your pump\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The SSPMA recommends removing the pump and cleaning both it and the pit once a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always disconnect the pump from its electrical power source before cleaning it, but make sure to plug it in again when you\u2019re finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep in mind that how often you should clean your sump pump depends on its specific model, so you should check your owner\u2019s manual for the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Professional Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If your DIY bucket test revealed any of the following, do not wait for the next storm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n