Maintenance Guides / Plumbing & Water

Test sump pump

Difficulty: easyTime: 15 mins

Why it matters

Sump pumps sit idle for months and can seize or fail silently. The first time you discover yours doesn't work is during a basement-flooding rainstorm at 2 AM.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Locate the sump pit (usually in the lowest corner of the basement).

  • 2

    Pour 5 gallons of water into the pit slowly.

  • 3

    The pump should turn on automatically and evacuate the water within 1–2 minutes.

  • 4

    Confirm the discharge pipe is clear and draining away from the house.