Primer: rehearsal before the storm

How to Test Your Sump Pump

A sump pump can sit idle for months, then be expected to work perfectly in the worst storm of the year. A five-minute test each season tells you whether it is ready.

Plain steps you can do yourself, safely
Clear signs for when to stop and call
Written for Newmarket houses and water
A plumber on the phone if it goes sideways

What goes wrong in the pipes

Many Newmarket basements rely on a sump pump to keep groundwater out, especially during spring melt and heavy summer rain. Pumps fail quietly: a stuck float, a burned-out motor, or a discharge line frozen solid. You usually find out when the carpet is already wet. Testing on a schedule turns a surprise into a planned repair, priced on a weekday rather than in the middle of a storm.

Have these on hand

Garden hose or a full bucket
Flashlight
Rubber gloves
Wet vac

Hands-on steps

Check the power. Make sure the pump is plugged into a working outlet, ideally a dedicated one. If it shares a plug with a backup pump or alarm, note which cord is which.
Look into the pit. Remove the cover and clear out debris, gravel or anything that could jam the float.
Add water. Slowly pour a bucket or two of water into the pit until the float rises.
Watch the cycle. The pump should start on its own, lower the water quickly, and shut off cleanly. Listen for grinding or rattling.
Check the discharge. Go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge pipe and flowing away from the foundation.
Test the backup. If you have a battery or water-powered backup, test it separately and check the battery age.
Write it down. Note the date and anything odd you heard, so you can spot a pattern over time.

Mistakes that turn a small repair big

Testing by lifting the float only. That checks the switch but not whether the pump actually moves water.
Ignoring the check valve. If water rushes back into the pit after the pump stops, the check valve may be failing, causing the pump to cycle more than it should.
Leaving the discharge buried in snow. A frozen or blocked outlet makes even a good pump useless.
Plugging into an extension cord. Cords can disconnect or overheat. Use a properly installed outlet.
Forgetting the age. Many pumps start becoming unreliable after several years of regular use.

When to put the tools down and call

Call if the pump does not start, runs without lowering the water, cycles constantly or makes loud mechanical noise. Also call if the pit has standing water that never drains, or if you have no pump at all and the basement takes on water. We can repair or replace the pump, add a backup, and check the discharge line. Ring (365) 517-0623 to book. If you have had odours or backups too, a sewer camera inspection can rule out drain issues. And while you are in the basement, take a look at your water heater; our gas water heater replacement page lists signs it is wearing out. For more household habits that protect your drains, see what not to flush.

Asked on site

How often should I test my sump pump?

At least twice a year: before spring melt and before the late-summer storm season. Test after any long power outage too.

Is a battery backup worth it?

If your basement is finished or you have had water before, a backup is inexpensive protection when the power goes out during a storm.