If you moved into a home that already had an existing sump pump, you may not know much about it. In order to care for your pump properly, it’s important to learn approximately how old the pump is and if it has had any issues in the past. You can ask the previous homeowners, look up your model online, read the owner’s manual, and research where to get replacement parts in case something malfunctions. 

Having a sump pump requires occasional maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. At the very minimum, it is recommended that you examine your pump annually. This can be done by you if you feel well trained. If not, you can hire a professional to service your pump. While you should definitely be cleaning and servicing your pump annually, most homeowners like to perform maintenance quarterly to extend the life of their sump pumps and prevent any issues. Here are some annual and quarterly maintenance tasks you should perform or have a professional check on your sump pump. 

Quarterly 

• Unplug your pump and empty any free-standing water. 
• Remove any debris and make sure the pump screen is clear. 
• Plug the pump back in and run 5 gallons of water through it to make sure it is operating properly. 

Annually 

• Examine your pump for any broken pieces, noticeable issues, rust, or corrosion. 
• Check your owner’s manual for lubrication requirements and follow accordingly. 
• Remove sump pump and clean both pump and pit thoroughly. 
• Check the condition of the discharge pipe outside. It should not be covered by surrounding dirt or plants. The pipe should drain fully and not hold any residual water. If it does, the water could freeze and obstruct the pipe.  

These are a few of the signs you may experience if you have a problem with your sump pump. Make sure to keep an eye out for any of these issues and to address them immediately to make sure your pump is working efficiently. 

• Strange noises can indicate that your pump has a broken or worn-out piece. 
• Rattling or grinding noises can indicate that you have a jam between pieces in your pump. 
• If your pump is turning on and off, or having trouble turning on, it may be due to internal wiring errors. 
• If your pump has an oil leak, it could mean that there is a severe problem or that your pump could fail. In this case, you might want to consult a professional. 

Here are a few other sump pump maintenance tips to consider to keep your basement free of flooding and your house free from water damage.  

• Consider purchasing a backup sump pump in case yours fails. 
• Know who to call for pump maintenance. 
• Invest in a smart sump pump. They can be controlled from your phone and will alert you if there is a problem with its operation.  
• Know who to call in case of a flooding or water damage emergency.