How to Test Your Sump Pump in East St. Paul, MB

The problem with rainfall and snowmelt for many properties in East St. Paul is that the moisture doesn't always stay outdoors. Water can easily infiltrate homes and businesses within their lowest levels, which is usually the basement or crawlspace. That's why many in the area learn how to test sump pumps to keep their properties dry and flood-free. 



King's Services is a trusted plumber in East St. Paul, Manitoba, that works with all kinds of sump pumps. Here's what our experts say you should do to ensure your sump pump is ready for the rainy and snowy seasons. 

The Purpose of Having Sump Pumps in East St. Paul Properties

Sump pumps are devices that help keep water from seeping into basements and crawl spaces throughout East St. Paul. Plumbers find the lowest part of a property to dig the catch basin that will hold all the rainwater, groundwater seepage, and snowmelt that may infiltrate the property. Once the pit reaches a specific water level, it'll trigger the sump pump's float switch.

When the float switch turns on the pump, the pump drains the excess water basin. The water will travel through a discharge pipe and disperse the water away from the building's foundation. If your sump pump stops working for any reason, it leaves your basement or crawlspace susceptible to the following due to excess moisture:

• Flooding
• Mold and mildew
• Moisture damage
• Wood rot

Simple Ways to Test Your Sump Pump's Performance and Efficiency

Want to learn how to test sump pumps in East St. Paul? Below are the most common testing methods to try. 

Fill the Catch Basin with Water

Sump pumps work when enough water fills the catch basic to cause the float switch to rise high enough to turn the pump on. You may need to manually fill the pump pit with water to see how well the float switch operates. 

To start, carefully dump water into the basin. There should be enough water to lift the float switch. Yet if the water level rises enough to trigger the pump, but it doesn't turn on, the switch might be faulty and need a replacement. A successful test is when the water causes the float switch to turn on the pump, draining the water you just dumped into the basin. 

Manually Lift the Float Arm

If you can't fill the basin with water or it already has contents that aren't draining, lift the float switch by hand. The equipment should turn on, which means the float switch is likely bad and may need repair or replacement.

However, if the basin doesn't have water and you lift the float switch, listen carefully to hear the pump turn on. If it doesn't, something more serious could be affecting the pump's functionality like a clog or worn parts. 

Evaluate Electrical Connections

Sump pumps in East St. Paul sometimes have two electrical cords: a float cord plug and a pump cord plug. To learn how to test sump pumps using electrical connections, unplug both cords and only plug the pump cord into the outlet.

You'll know the device works if you hear the sump pump humming softly. If you do, plug all electrical connections back as they were. 

Tips For Maintaining a Functioning Sump Pump in East St. Paul

Is your sump pump still not working correctly after using the above-mentioned troubleshooting steps? Consider these maintenance tips to help restore your equipment's efficiency:

Clear Clogs and Debris From the Basin and Discharge Pipe

Sometimes, sump pumps experience an efficiency or performance decline because debris is clogging the drainage or discharge pipe. If possible, remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from the pump basin and drainage pipes to clear obstructions. You may need a plumber's help to flush the line.

Ensure Sufficient Power Is Going to the Pump

Always ensure the outlet for your sump pump is a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, which will protect the equipment if the power cords get wet. Press the outlet's rest switch to test it. Also consider backup power like a battery or generator for your sump pump in case of power failure.

If resetting the GFCI outlet doesn't work, check your circuit breaker panel. Sump pumps sometimes trip circuit breakers if too much power flows through a single current. Simply flip the tripped breaker into the "On" position if necessary.

Reboot or Reset the Pump

Resetting the sump pump may help it work correctly. To reboot the equipment, unplug it from its main power source for several seconds, then plug it back in. This step is usually necessary if the sump pump sits idle for several months. 

Knowing how to test sump pumps isn't the only way to keep these essential devices running smoothly. Routine maintenance from East St. Paul plumbers is also necessary. Plumbing experts have the skills and expertise to quickly identify early signs of trouble that you might overlook due to a lack of experience and general know-how.

Plumbers can inspect your device and sump basin to determine if the system is working correctly. If it isn't, they can optimize it to ensure a more efficient, reliable performance. In some cases, replacing the sump pump is the best solution to complications like extensive damage, component failure, or excessive wear and tear from age.

Let King's Services Optimize Your Sump Pump in East St. Paul

If you want to know how to troubleshoot sump pumps whenever they encounter a problem to avoid basement and crawlspace flooding, understanding how to test sump pumps will come in hand. But if you're still experiencing sump pump draining problems, power supply issues, or other complications, count on our professionals at King's Services in East St. Paul, Manitoba, to provide the help you need. 

Our team has more than 35 years of experience serving the community with top-tier plumbing and septic services. Whether you need sump pump installation for a new commercial property or pump repairs for your home's basement, our honest, hardworking technicians will do the job right the first time. We guarantee your satisfaction—call King's Services today.