How to Check Your Sump Pump Before Winter in Louisville

A sump pump sits out of sight until the day it has to work. Durbin Plumbing repairs, replaces and installs sump pumps for homes in Louisville and across Jefferson County, and this guide shows you a simple check you can do yourself in a few minutes, what to look for while you are down there, and when to call us.

Farmers Insurance, in its sump pump maintenance guide, says to test your pump every few months by pouring a bucket of water slowly into the sump pit. The steps:

1. Make sure the pump is plugged in.
2. Pour a bucket of water slowly into the sump pit.
3. Watch the float rise. The pump should turn on, empty the pit and shut off on its own.

If the pump does not start, starts and will not stop, or hums without moving water, call us before the next heavy rain.

While the lid is off, look at the pit itself. Farmers says to clear out debris such as dirt, gravel or sediment. Debris in the pit is worth noting when you call, because it helps Doug know what he is walking into.

Follow the discharge pipe from the pump to where it leaves the house. Farmers says the discharge point should direct water away from the foundation, not back toward the home. If the end of the pipe is buried in leaves or points at the house, that is worth fixing before winter.

Farmers says many sump pumps last 7 to 10 years, though lifespan can vary based on usage and maintenance. If you do not know how old yours is, the model and serial plate on the pump is a good place to start. Have the brand and model ready when you call. If it is a Zoeller, tell us; we repair and replace Zoeller pumps.

If you have a battery backup, Farmers says to test it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and to replace backup batteries as recommended, often every few years.

Doug Durbin usually goes on site to give an accurate quote, and he looks at the pump and the pit first. Sometimes a repair is the right answer. Sometimes a worn-out pump is better replaced, and when a basement has never had a pump, we install a new one. Our sump pump repair and replacement page covers how that visit works.

We live in an older part of Louisville, and older basements are part of the work. Mabyn Pappas wrote that we are her call for “the inevitable bigger issues that come with an older home.” Our guide to plumbing in older Louisville homes covers the other things worth checking in a house like that.

How often should I test my sump pump?

Every few months, according to Farmers Insurance. A good habit is to test it before winter and again before the spring rains.

My sump pump runs all the time. Is that a problem?

A pump that will not shut off after the pit is empty needs a look. Call (502) 266-9408 and tell us what you are seeing. Many times we can talk you through the next steps over the phone.

How much does sump pump repair or replacement cost?

Doug quotes each job on site after he sees it. What changes the price is whether the pump can be repaired or needs replacing, the size and type of pump, how easy the pit is to reach, and what the discharge line needs.

How soon can you get here?

We usually answer the phone live, and we give you a two-hour arrival window instead of making you wait all day. We work Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the day, we can rework our schedule to take care of your urgent problem. We always try to talk you through your after-hours or weekend emergency and save you money by enabling you to wait until a normal business day.