Critical
Pour a bucket of water in the pit and confirm it kicks on. Simple and vital.
- How often
- Every 6 mo
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Free
- Time
- 15 min
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.
How & when to do itHome system
Sump pump maintenance
Basement water. Below is everything your sump pump needs to stay safe and efficient — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional. Each task shows how often to do it, whether it's DIY, and what it typically costs.
- Tasks:
- 2
- Typical yearly cost:
- Up to $200
Money-saving
Storms that flood basements often knock out power too; a backup battery keeps the pump running.
- How often
- Yearly
- Who
- DIY
- Cost
- Up to $200
- Time
- 30 min
A power outage during a storm leaves the main pump dead exactly when you need it.
How & when to do itSump pump maintenance FAQ
How often should I service my sump pump?+
It depends on the task. test the sump pump every 6 months; test the sump pump backup battery once a year. Your personalized manual schedules each one for you.
Can I do sump pump maintenance myself?+
Many tasks are DIY-friendly. test the sump pump and test the sump pump backup battery can be done with basic tools, while others (more technical work) are worth hiring a pro for.
What happens if I ignore sump pump maintenance?+
A dead pump during a storm means a flooded basement overnight.