It’s no secret that homeowners need their sump pumps to function properly, but many people aren’t aware of how to test it. Sump pumps are a great way to protect your home from flooding and damage by getting water out of small areas that could otherwise flood. However, the best way to know if a sump pump is doing its job is to know how much water it can remove from your property in an emergency. This article will walk you through a sump pump test so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with before investing time and money into installing one.

What is a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water from the basement of a building. It pumps water from the bottom of a building’s foundation, up through the drain pipe, into a nearby body of water. If you notice an increase in water levels in your basement, or if you see standing or flowing water in your basement, it may be time to test your sump pump.

Make sure the sump pump is not damaged

You should always check your sump pump for damage in case there was an accident or a break in the sewer pipe. The damage could be as minor as a few broken wires, which you can easily reassemble, or it could be that the pump is completely torn apart. If the water starts coming up and flooding your basement, you need to act quickly and make sure you repair any damage before you lose everything.

Check the drainage pipe

It is important to check the drainage pipe before putting money into a new sump pump. The drainage pipe is the pipe that feeds water down from a higher elevation and into your sump pump. When you first set up your sump pump, you should test the drainage pipe as well. You will want to place a bucket or other object in the lowest part of the drainage pipe and then turn on your sump pump. When the water flows out, it is safe for you to start siphoning off water from your sump pit. By doing this, you can be sure that no water will flood your basement when you have mechanical problems with your unit or when conducting maintenance.

Unplug your pump and plug it back in

Your sump pump likely has two electrical cords: a float cord and a pump cord. There is one socket on the back of the float cord, and one outlet in your wall. To check that these electrical components are working, unplug the power cord from the float cord, then plug it into the wall outlet. Upon doing so, your pump should immediately activate with a whir or a hum, which indicates that it is working properly.

Add water and watch it drain

When your sump pump is not working, it can be a scary situation. It is important to always be prepared for the unexpected, so it is crucial to make sure that you have a spare sump pump in case one stops working. To test your sump pump, fill it with water and watch it drain. If any water comes out other than what should come out then your pump might need replacing.

Need a Second Opinion? Contact Our Toronto Plumbers for a Quick Sump Pump Inspection

Have you checked your sump pump lately? The pumps that we use on a day-to-day basis have come such a long way since their invention. With advances in technology, these pumps now have various safety features built-in that ensures that they will be able to function without fail for many years. If you don’t want to take any chances with your sump pump, contact our Toronto plumbers for a quick inspection of your system.