A sump pump protects your crawl space or basement from water, but only if it works when the storm hits. Most failures come from a stuck float switch, a clogged pit or a dead battery, and all three can be caught with a few minutes of upkeep. Use this checklist twice a year, and before the rainy season.
Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist
- Test the pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off. If it does not start, the float switch may be stuck or the pump may have failed.
- Check the power. Make sure the pump is plugged into a working outlet, and test the GFCI outlet if it has one.
- Clean the pit. Unplug the pump, lift it out if you can, and remove dirt, sand, gravel and debris from the pit and the pump intake.
- Check the float switch. Make sure it moves freely and is not jammed against the wall of the pit. The float switch is the part that fails most often.
- Check the discharge line. Water should flow out freely and drain well away from the house. Look for clogs, kinks, leaks and a pipe that drains back.
- Check the check valve. The valve keeps water from flowing back into the pit. A failed valve makes the pump run too often.
- Test the battery backup. Unplug the pump and fill the pit. The backup should run the pump. Replace the battery as the maker recommends.
- Check the outdoor end. Clear leaves and debris from the discharge outlet, and make sure it does not freeze shut in winter.
When to Replace a Sump Pump
A pump needs attention when you notice:
- Age. Many pumps last about 7 to 10 years. A pump that runs often wears out sooner.
- Constant running. It may be too small, have a stuck float switch or a failed check valve.
- Noise. Buzzing, clanging or grinding means a worn motor or a jammed impeller.
- Rust. A rusty pump with parts that will not clean up should be repaired or replaced.
- Musty smells. A pump that is not removing water can leave the space damp.
- Water in the space. If the space floods, the pump is not doing its job.
Sump Pump Repair and Replacement Cost
A repair, such as a new float switch or check valve, costs much less than a new pump. A new pump with a pit and discharge line typically costs $900 to $2,500 in the Raleigh area. See the full sump pump cost guide.
Sump Pumps in Raleigh and Triangle Homes
Raleigh's clay soil drains slowly, so water can collect around foundations and in crawl spaces after heavy rain. Late-summer and fall storms test pumps the most, so check yours in spring and again before hurricane season. Gutters full of leaves and downspouts that empty near the foundation send more water into the pit.
Your pump may still fail even with good care, and pump failures are not usually covered by basic homeowners insurance. Ask your insurer about water backup coverage.
Seasonal Sump Pump Schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Early spring | Full checklist: test, clean the pit, check the float switch, check valve and discharge line |
| Before summer storm season | Test the pump and the battery backup, and clear the outdoor discharge |
| Fall | Remove leaves from gutters and the discharge outlet, and test again |
| Before a forecast storm | Pour a bucket of water in the pit to confirm the pump starts |
| Every year | Check the age of the pump and the battery date |
Why Sump Pumps Fail
- Stuck float switch. Debris or the wall of the pit jams the float, so the pump never starts or never stops.
- Clogged intake. Sand and gravel block the pump inlet.
- Power loss. Storms knock out power exactly when the pump is needed.
- Failed check valve. Water flows back into the pit, and the pump cycles constantly.
- Frozen or clogged discharge line. Water has nowhere to go.
- Age. Motors wear out, often after about ten years.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Pump does not start | No power, stuck float or failed motor |
| Pump runs constantly | Stuck float, failed check valve, high water table or a pump that is too small |
| Pump runs but moves little water | Clogged intake or discharge line, or a worn impeller |
| Loud noise | Worn motor, jammed impeller or the pump hitting the pit wall |
| Water returns to the pit after it runs | Failed check valve or discharge pipe draining back |
If a quick fix does not work, a professional should look at it before the next storm.
Need a Repair or Replacement?
We install and repair sump pumps in Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Durham and nearby towns, with a free estimate. We offer flexible financing options for qualifying homeowners; terms depend on the lender and your approval.
Sump pump installation in Raleigh · Sump pump services · Request a free estimate
