Sump Pump Maintenance: Protect Your Basement Year-Round

In flood-prone parts of Northern New Jersey, a working sump pump is essential. The problem is that most homeowners forget about it until it fails during a storm. A little routine maintenance keeps it ready when you need it most.

Test it regularly

Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch the pump activate, pump the water out, and shut off. Do this every few months and before the rainy season.

Maintenance checklist

• Clear debris from the pit and intake screen
• Confirm the float moves freely
• Check the discharge line is clear and directs water away from the foundation
• Listen for unusual noises
• Consider a battery backup for power outages

Know the lifespan

Sump pumps typically last about 10 years. If yours is older, or if it struggled during the last big storm, replacement before the next one is cheap insurance against a flooded basement.