Spring brings warmer temperatures, melting snow, and heavy rain—but it also means your basement could be at risk of flooding if your sump pump isn’t working properly.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we often get calls from homeowners dealing with flooded basements because their sump pump failed when they needed it most. The best way to avoid costly water damage? Test your sump pump before the heavy rains hit!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to check if your sump pump is working, how to troubleshoot common issues, and when it’s time to replace it.

How to Test Your Sump Pump

There are two quick and easy ways to check if your sump pump is functioning properly.

1. Lift the Float

Your sump pump is activated by a device called a float switch. As water fills the sump pit, the float rises, triggering the pump motor to turn on and remove the water.

✔ How to Test It:

• Find the float switch—it’s usually a black or white plastic ball attached to the pump by a metal rod.

• Gently lift the float as high as it will go.

• If the pump motor starts, your sump pump is working.

• If nothing happens, it’s time to troubleshoot the issue.

2. Pour Water into the Sump Pit

A great way to simulate real-life conditions is to add water to the sump pit and see if the pump kicks in.

✔ How to Test It:

• Fill a large bucket or trash can with water.

• Slowly pour it into the sump pit.

• Watch to see if the pump motor starts and removes the water.

• If the pump doesn’t activate, move on to troubleshooting.

💡 Should There Be Water in the Sump Pit?
Yes! It’s completely normal for some water to sit in the pit. However, if the water level is consistently high and the pump isn’t running, you may have a problem.

Sump Pump Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t It Working?

If your sump pump fails the tests above, don’t panic just yet! Try these simple troubleshooting steps before calling for repairs.

1. Reboot Your Sump Pump

🔌 Unplug the sump pump from the power outlet.
🔄 Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
⚡ This works as a “reset” and can often fix pumps that haven’t run for months.

2. Check the Power Source

Your sump pump relies on electricity and should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

✔ Things to Check:

• Press the reset button on the outlet.

• Inspect your breaker box—has the sump pump’s breaker tripped?

• Consider a battery backup sump pump to protect against power outages.

3. Inspect for Blockages

If the pump runs but doesn’t remove water, the problem may be a clog.

✔ Check For:

• Blocked discharge pipes (leaves, ice, or debris can clog them).

• Sediment buildup at the bottom of the sump pit.

• Jammed float switch preventing activation.

Pro Tip: Regular sump pit cleaning can prevent clogs and extend your pump’s lifespan!

4. Is It Time to Replace Your Sump Pump?

Sump pumps typically last 8-10 years. If your unit is nearing that age and isn’t working properly, it may be time for a replacement.

✔ Signs You Need a New Sump Pump:

• Your pump runs constantly or struggles to keep up.

• It makes strange noises (grinding, rattling, or humming).

• It’s over 10 years old and has required multiple repairs.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we offer professional sump pump installation to keep your home dry and flood-free.

External Sump Pumps: Protecting Your Home’s Foundation

Sump pumps aren’t just for basements! Many homeowners install external sump pumps to redirect rainwater and melting snow away from their home’s foundation.

✔ How External Sump Pumps Help:

• Prevent foundation cracks from excessive moisture.

• Redirect stormwater to a safe drainage area.

• Reduce the risk of basement leaks and water damage.

If your yard collects standing water, an external sump pump may be a great investment.

Backflow Prevention: Another Key to a Dry Home

Besides sump pumps, some homes also need backflow prevention devices to protect their water supply.

✔ What Is Backflow?
Backflow happens when contaminated water reverses direction and flows into your home’s drinking water system. This can happen in:

• Irrigation systems

• Fire sprinkler systems

• Swimming pools

• Boilers & water heaters

✔ How to Prevent Backflow:

• Install a backflow prevention device.

• Get it professionally tested each year to ensure it works properly.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we provide backflow testing to keep your home’s water supply safe.

Sump Pump & Plumbing Services in Ontario

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we do more than just HVAC—we also provide top-quality plumbing services for homeowners in Ontario.

✔ Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
✔ Backflow Testing & Prevention
✔ Water Heater Installation & Repair
✔ Plumbing Inspections & Maintenance

Don’t wait until it’s too late—make sure your sump pump is ready for the next storm!

📞 Call us today at (519) 835-4858 for a free consultation!
💻 Visit our website at www.bapheating.ca to schedule an appointment.

Let’s keep your home dry, safe, and protected year-round!