An important part of homeownership is knowing how to test a sump pump.
They are an essential component of the drainage system that can help prevent your basement from flooding.
However, if your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly, you could end up with a messy and expensive situation on your hands.
Here are some quick and easy ways for you to test a sump pump for proper functionality.
Open The Drain Pipe
If your sump pump has a drain pipe located at the bottom of the unit, it’s important to open this drain before testing any other components or valves.
This will allow water to flow freely away from the unit so that you don’t have a backup in your basement.
Check for Clogs
When you notice that you have standing water around the base of the unit, it could mean that something is blocking the pipes.
In order to fix this yourself, you’ll need to use a small stick with a screwdriver attached to the end. Insert the stick into the pipe and pull it along until you feel resistance.
Once you reach the obstruction, simply remove the object and continue pulling the stick through the pipe. Repeat this process until you find what’s causing the blockage.
Check For Electrical Current
After ensuring that there’s no water coming out from the unit, now check for electrical current.
You may need to take one of the wires connected to the unit out of its socket.
Once you do this, plug the wire back into the outlet. Then, flip the switch on the wall socket to ensure that the unit is receiving power.
Test The Valves
Now that you have verified that everything else is working properly, you’ll want to test each valve. First, turn off the power source.
Then, check to see if any valves are closed. If they are, try opening them again to confirm that they’re still working.
Check For Water Flow
Next, check to see if the unit is operating properly by checking for any water coming out of the unit.
If there’s water flowing from the outlet, then the unit should be working fine. If not, proceed to the next step.
Test for water to rise
Test the unit one last time to find out exactly where the problem lies. While you’re doing this, make sure that only one person is holding onto the drain pipe and that there aren’t any objects obstructing the flow of water.
Once the unit starts draining water, stop immediately. If water continues rising up the drainpipe, then you know that the problem is somewhere upstream from the unit. In this case, you’ll need to check the float switch.
Check the float switch
Once you’ve tested everything using these steps, it’s time to check the float switch. There may be a small bubble under the float.
If there is, remove the entire assembly and inspect the float. It should be free-floating. If it isn’t, then you may need to replace the switch.
Replace The Float Switch – If the float isn’t floating properly, then you’ll need to replace it.
This is because the switch has probably become stuck due to debris. Simply unscrew the two screws that hold the switch together and dispose of the old switch. Then, screw in the new one and tighten both screws.
Test The Motor
Finally, you’ll want to check whether or not the motor is spinning. Again, turn off the power supply first.
Then, look inside the motor housing to see if it’s moving. If it is, then everything seems to be working as it should. Otherwise, things might be a little more complicated than they seem.
Before turning on your power source (electricity), make sure that there is no electricity flowing through the unit. If there is, turn off all electrical devices in your home until you’ve tested the unit.
Re-test
At this point, you should be able to test the sump pump once more to verify that it’s working properly. If it is, great!
However, if the pump doesn’t work after following these steps, then read over your troubleshooting guide again. Hopefully, this should help you figure out what went wrong.
Read More: How to Replace a Sump Pump?
- Indoor Use Only - This 1/3 HP WAYNE basement sump pump is perfect to keep your basement dry during heavy water flow. Whether it’s rain, snow melting, etc. WAYNE model CDU790 can pump up to 4,600 GPH to keep your basement dry.
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- Additional Features - 1-1/2” NPT discharge for compliance with building codes. The vertical float switch has been tested to 1 million cycles for long-lasting use, up to 10 time more than our competitors.
- Quality You Deserve - Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust. Warrantied for 3 years for dependable, efficient, & ultra-quiet performance.
Sump Pump Troubleshooting:
1) The Sump Pump Is Not Working Properly – If the sump pump isn’t working at all, then you’ll most likely need to replace it. Unfortunately, replacing an electric sump pump isn’t easy and requires proper training and equipment. You can learn how to do it here.
2) The Sump Pump Has Stopped Working – If the sump pump stops pumping water, then it could mean that something is clogging the pipes. To fix this, you’ll need to clear the blockage so that the system can function normally again.
3) Something Is Obstructing The Drain Pipe – Sometimes, you won’t even notice when something gets stuck in the drain line. When this happens, the sump pump will stop functioning properly. To fix this, simply unplug the pump and give it some elbow grease.
4) The Sump Pump Won’t Turn On – Occasionally, the sump pump won’t turn on. This can happen due to several reasons. One reason for this is that the battery needs to be charged before it works correctly. Another reason is that the wiring harness may have been damaged during installation.
5) Water Gets Into the Electrical System – If water enters into the electrical system, then the sump pump won’t work correctly. In this case, you’ll need to contact your local electrical company, which may require a licensed plumber.
6) The Backflow Preventer Isn’t Functioning Correctly – If the backflow preventer isn’t working properly, then the sump pumps won’t work properly. To correct this problem, you’ll need to install a new valve.
7) A Plug Was Pulled Out Of The Wall And Now Will Not Work – If a plug was pulled out of the wall, then the sump system won’t work properly. You’ll need to get a replacement cord from your local hardware store.
8) The Sump Pump Doesn’t Have Enough Pressure – If the pump has too much pressure, then it could cause damage to the house structure. In such cases, you’ll need to add another sump pump.
9) There Is Too Much Rainfall – If there is too much rainfall, then the sump systems won’t work properly. In such situations, you should call a professional plumber to handle the situation.
10) Your Home Needs Repairs – If your home is full of cracks, holes, or other structural issues, then it’s possible that the sump pump won’t work properly. In order to repair any damages, you’ll need to hire professionals who are trained to handle this type of job.
Read More: How To Install a New Sump Pump?
Even though you followed our steps above, it’s possible that you missed something during the process. In order to avoid future problems, we recommend cleaning out the trap every year. To clean out the trap, simply disconnect the pipes and insert a long stick into the hole.
If you feel like you’ve done everything correctly, but the sump pump still isn’t pumping, then you’ll need some additional assistance.
Sump Pump Alarm:
The sump pump alarm is one of the best ways to know if your sump pump is malfunctioning or not. These alarms are very useful in monitoring whether or not your sump pump is working properly.
Some people also use these alarms as a way to monitor their sump pump without having to go inside their houses.
Features:-
- You will receive an alert via email and/or text message before your sump overflows.
- You will no longer need to lift the lid of the sump to see how much water is in it.
- Keep an eye out for moisture entering the foundation. Mold needs a minimum of 60% humidity to thrive.
- Alert you if temperatures rise or fall above or below your specified level in order to prevent frozen pipes.
- This leak sensor can detect leaks on a sump pump, water heater, or any other device with a second line of defense.
Provide an alert if AC power is lost to your pump (e.g. if your pump loses power). - Notify you (after a specified period) if the internet connection fails.
- Provide an interface to a home alarm system (or another device)
- REAL-TIME MONITORING with Level Sense Pro Water Alarm Sensor lets you know immediately about fluid levels in wells and cisterns. Discover moisture and leaks early so you can act fast and limit damage.
- WIFI-ENABLED water alarm sensor with float switch monitors temperature, water level, humidity, leak detection and power outage. Cloud check-in monitoring helps deter frozen pipes, flooded basements and more.
- Back-Up power provided by an auto-recharging internal back-up battery, Level Sense Pro Wifi Water Leak Detector stays on-top of sump pump levels even when storms interrupt electrical service to your home.
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE with Android and iOs devices, our wifi water leak sensor can also be wired into your home security system. Free basic portal service includes customizable output responses.
- WAREHOUSE YOUR DATA with our smart water sensor so you can compare depth histories, pump cycles and run times. See current conditions and tank levels anytime with any tablet, cell phone or computer.
Fortunately, many plumbers offer emergency services so you don’t have to worry about calling someone else.
