Reference
How often should you test a sump pump?
Test the sump pump every 6 months, and always before the spring melt or the rainy season. That is the interval the HomeAlmanac app schedules for this job, adjusted for the systems your home actually has.
- How often
- Every 6 months
- Time needed
- 15 min
- Best time
- Spring
- Priority
- High
Why it matters
A failed sump pump during a heavy storm means a flooded basement. Test before the wet season.
How to do it
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should switch on, drain it, and shut off. Check the discharge line drains away from the house.
When to do it
Best done in spring, and the app schedules it for that season automatically.
HomeAlmanac schedules this one for you, works out the next due date each time you mark it done, and reminds you before it is late.
Build your free planWhat this protects
Staying on this schedule is one of the biggest levers on how long these last.
Quick answers
- How often should you test a sump pump?
- Test the sump pump every 6 months, and always before the spring melt or the rainy season.
- Why does it matter?
- A failed sump pump during a heavy storm means a flooded basement. Test before the wet season.
- What time of year should I do it?
- Best done in spring. Doing it late is usually worse than doing it early.