Once you have installed a new sump pump system, it is always recommended that you test it out first. You know, just to make sure it is working properly. I know it is common sense, but a lot of homeowners tend to neglect it.
As a result, they end up with a flooded basement. In this how to test a sump pump article, I’m going to show a couple of tips on how to check sump pump properly and make sure it is working.
Remember, this small step could easily save you thousands of dollars of property loss. This is one of those things that you don’t want to find out the hard way.
Testing A Sump Pump
We all know what a sump pit looks like. You will see a black lid, some cables and pipes going in and out. Most new homes will have two pipes. One pipe is your radon.
Especially in newer houses, you will see them doubling these pits as both radon and your sump pump pit. First things first, if you remove and mess with that lid, you need to make sure to seal it back on nice and tight.
If it is a dual setup, you need to add silicone or some sort of sealant so that the radon can still do its job.
How To Know If Sump Pump Is Working?
Before I get to that, make sure the installation is complete, and the cables are connected. If you have two power cables, that means one is for the float switch. Your sump pump won’t start unless the water level is high enough.
For testing a sump pump, you will need to bypass that. Separate the main cable and connect it using a separate outlet. Just put power straight to the primary pump without the float, and you will hear the motor pumping out water.
This is the way you can tell if your sump pump is working or not and that too without using water. Now, don’t try to run it for too long, or else you will burn the motor.
Once you have confirmed that it is working, you can now perform a more serious test.
Looking Inside The Pit
If it’s an old system, you will see debris, dirt, and buildup in the base of that pit. If that’s the case, you will need to open the pit up, clean the inner parts, and put everything back into it properly.
If everything inside is clean, you can start pouring water using a bucket. Sump pumps are designed to start automatically once the water level has risen past a certain point.
What you are basically doing is testing the sump pump and to see if the sensor is working or not.
Sump Pump Tester (Without Water)
The best way to test a sump pump without water is to engage the sensor. You can lift the float switch manually and see if the motor is running or not. To do that, first, remove the lid.
Now, reach down inside the pit and pull out the sump pump unit. You will have to physically lift the pump up. Now, grab the float and lift it up. This should engage the motor inside the pump.
It’s important to test both ways because when you bypass the float switch and provide direct power to the motor, it will tell you that the motor is working, but you won’t be able to tell if the sensor is working.