Sump Pump Maintenance: How to Keep Your Basement Dry Year-Round

Your sump pump sits quietly in the basement, waiting for the moment it's needed most. But if that moment comes and the pump fails, you could face thousands in water damage. Regular maintenance takes minutes but can save you a fortune. Here's everything you need to know.

How Often Should You Test Your Sump Pump?

Test your sump pump at least once every three months—and always before storm season begins in Atlanta (typically late February/early March). Testing is simple: pour about 5 gallons of water into the sump pit until the float switch triggers. The pump should activate, discharge the water, and shut off automatically. If anything in this sequence doesn't happen correctly, you have a problem to address before the next heavy rain.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Once a year (ideally in early spring), perform these maintenance tasks. Remove the pump from the pit and clean the inlet screen—debris can clog it and reduce pumping capacity. Inspect the discharge pipe outside your home and make sure it's clear. Check the pit for sediment buildup. Inspect the power cord for damage. Test the check valve by confirming water doesn't flow back into the pit after shutdown. Verify the float switch moves freely.

Battery Backup: Your Insurance Policy

Power outages during storms are common in Metro Atlanta—which is exactly when your sump pump needs to run. A battery backup system keeps the pump running for 8-12 hours when the power goes out. Replace the battery every 2-3 years even if it seems fine—batteries degrade whether they're used or not. If your sump pump doesn't have battery backup, adding one is the single most important upgrade you can make.

Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Replacement

Sump pumps last 7-10 years on average. Signs that replacement is due: the pump runs constantly even when it's not raining, unusual noises (grinding, rattling, humming), struggles to keep up during moderate rain, visible rust or corrosion, pump is 7+ years old, or rapid on-off cycling. Don't wait for a complete failure during a storm—proactive replacement is far cheaper than emergency flood damage.

Common Problems and Fixes

Pump won't turn on: Check the power source first (plugged in? GFCI tripped?), then check the float switch. Pump runs but doesn't move water: Clogged or damaged impeller, or failed check valve. Runs continuously: Stuck float switch, failed check valve allowing backflow, or undersized pump. Strange noises: Grinding means debris in the impeller; rattling indicates loose components; humming with no water movement often means a seized motor.

When to Call a Professional

If your pump fails during a storm, you need emergency service. If the pit fills faster than the pump can discharge, the system may be undersized or the drainage feeding it needs rework. And if you don't have a sump pump but need one, professional installation ensures proper pit sizing, pump selection, and discharge routing. At Reliable Solutions Atlanta, we install, repair, and maintain sump pump systems. Call 770-895-2039.