Everything You Need to Know About Sump Pump Maintenance

The sump pump: It’s likely a home system you’ve heard of, even if you don’t have one. So, what is a sump pump, exactly? Essentially, a sump pump is a device installed in or under the lowest level of a home (typically the basement) to help prevent flooding. 

How does a sump pump work to keep your home dry? It starts with the sump pit —a basin dug below the basement floor or sometimes underneath the house, where water collects if it enters the area. From there, a sump pump’s water sensors (a float switch or pressure sensor) tell the device when the water rises too high. Then, the pump turns on, drawing water away from the building and into a drainage area.

If you’re wondering who needs a sump pump in their home, there are a few reasons it may be a good idea to have one:

• Your basement is below the water table.
• Your house is in a floodplain.
• You live near a body of water.
• Your home’s lot has poor drainage. 
• You live in an area with frequent storms or hurricanes. 

Related: Protect more than just your sump pump. Learn what a home warranty covers.

How to Maintain Sump Pumps

As you can see, sump pumps protect many homes susceptible to water damage. Let’s review what you can do to help keep your system running well and when you should call the professionals for inspections and system checks. Learn how to extend the life of sump pumps with regular maintenance. 

Home Sump Pump Maintenance: What You Can Do

Homeowners can efficiently complete specific sump pump maintenance, even with a little DIY experience. Here’s a sump pump maintenance checklist broken down by how frequently you should complete recommended tasks:

Every Month

You should unplug and clean your sump pump and any screens to prevent it from getting blocked.

Every Six Months

It’s a good idea to perform a test run of your sump pump at least a couple of times a year — particularly before seasons with high precipitation. You can complete this test by pouring water into the sump pit and watching to ensure the pump activates.

Every Year

You should complete a thorough cleaning of your sump pump annually. Follow these instructions for how to clean sump pumps:

• Unplug your pump and turn off any appliances that drain into it.
• Remove the sump pump from the pit, rinse it with a hose, and scrape off any debris or deposits with a tool like a plastic scraper.
• If you have one, use a water-safe vacuum to clean the pit around the pump.
• Allow the pump to dry thoroughly, reattach its hoses, and plug in the pump. 

For more sump pump cleaning tips, you can review the Sump & Sewage Pump Manufacturer’s Association guide to sump pumps. 

Home Sump Pump Maintenance: What the Pros Should Do

You should call a professional to complete a sump pump annual maintenance and inspection every year. During this process, they should check the following: 

• Drainage location: The inspector will ensure your pump drains at least 20 feet from your house to prevent backups and other safety issues. 
• Alarm function: If your sump pump has an alarm, the technician will likely test it to ensure it works. 
• Power source: If you live in an area prone to dangerous weather, backup power is essential in emergencies. The inspector will recommend that your pump has a backup power source, and if you do, verify that the backup is in working order.
• Sump pit: Your sump pit should be at least 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide — the technician will likely want to verify these measurements. 
• Check valve: To prevent water from flowing back into the sump pit, the inspector will test the functionality of your pump’s check valve. 

Pump cover: A professional will make sure your sump pump cover fits properly or add one if needed to prevent evaporation (which can cause unpleasant humid conditions in your basement and even lead to mold).

Signs of Sump Pump Problems

Even if you are diligent with regular maintenance and cleaning, sump pumps sometimes encounter problems, much like any system or appliance. You can listen to or watch for these signs indicating your sump pump is experiencing an issue. 

Too Much Noise

A noisier-than-usual sump pump may indicate a failing motor. You should have this checked by the pros right away. 

Not Shutting Off

If your sump pump runs constantly (especially in dry weather), it could indicate an issue with the float switch or water sensor. Try cleaning the unit, but if the problem persists, it’s time to call for professional help.

If your sump pump runs continuously during wetter seasons, it could also indicate it’s too small for your property. A professional can assess it to help determine if you need to upsize. 

Not Running at All

If your sump pump quits working altogether, you could be experiencing a dead battery or motor burnout. Try replacing the battery; if that doesn’t work, it may be time for a new pump.

Protect Your Sump Pump and More

The average annual sump pump maintenance cost ranges from about $150-$250 — but damages from flooding can cost thousands, making these systems an excellent investment for any home at risk of high water. Sump pump replacement costs and repair costs, on the other hand, can run upwards of $1,000 — which is why a home warranty from First American is a smart choice.

If your sump pump breaks down due to normal wear and tear, just call us or submit a service request online, and we’ll send a prescreened technician to diagnose the problem. They’ll even repair it on-site if possible! And if we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it* — that’s the First American way. Learn more about our coverage for sump pumps and get a free home warranty quote to start protecting your systems and appliances today. 

*Please review the sample contract for specific coverage, terms, and limitations.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.