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Field guide for Burlington owners

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Most months, a sump pump does nothing but wait waiting. A few checks each season make sure it starts when the snow melts and the spring rain arrives.

  • Steps you can safely take yourself
  • What it looks like in Burlington houses
  • When to put the wrench down and phone us
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The short answer

Test the pump every spring and fall by filling the pit, clean the intake, check the check valve and discharge line, and replace the pump when it gets old.

Key point

Most months, a sump pump does nothing but wait waiting.

Working through it

  1. Unplug and inspect. Look for rust, debris and a free-moving float.
  2. Clean the pit. Scoop out silt and gravel.
  3. Test. Plug in and pour water until the pump starts and empties the pit.
  4. Check the check valve. Water should not flow back down.
  5. Inspect the discharge. Make sure the outdoor line is clear and drains away from the house.
  6. Test the backup. Press the test button on battery backups.
Winter: discharge lines can freeze. Make sure they slope so water drains out.

Have this ready when you call

  • Which fixture, which floor
  • Whether the main is closed
  • Rough age of the house and heater
  • Any past floods or drain work

Time to bring in the trade

Phone us when the pump refuses to start, never stops or short-cycles. See sump pump repair.

First move in a leak

Close the main shut-off, open a low tap to drain pressure, then call (365) 464-5184.

Know the parts of your system

  • Pit or crock: the liner collecting water from the weeping tile.
  • Pump: submersible or pedestal, with a float switch.
  • Check valve: on the discharge pipe, stops water flowing back.
  • Discharge line: carries water outside, ideally well away from the foundation.
  • Lid: keeps debris out and reduces odours and humidity.
  • Backup: battery or water-powered pump, if fitted.

Mark the installation year on the discharge pipe in permanent ink. When it gets past seven or eight years, start budgeting for a replacement rather than waiting for failure in a storm. If the pump runs often even in dry weather, groundwater may be high, or the check valve may be letting water fall back into the pit.

Through the cold months, check that the outside discharge is not buried under snow or frozen solid. A short extension that can be moved, or an ice-guard fitting that lets water escape if the line freezes, prevents the pump from pushing against a blocked pipe.

Burlington specifics

Spring thaw and heavy summer storms are the busiest times for sumps here. Many pumps installed after 2014 are now aging. See battery backup sump pumps.

Questions we hear

How often should I test?

Twice yearly as a minimum, ahead of the spring melt and again in autumn.

When should I replace the pump?

Many last seven to ten years. Replace sooner if it struggles.

Call now(365) 464-5184