Is Your Sump Pump Really Doing Its Job?

Here at Quality 1st Basement Systems, we advise our customers in New Jersey to check their sump pumps at least once every season, or sometimes when a big storm is in the forecast. Testing the pump is fairly easy. There are two ways you can test the pump, however, some people prefer one method to the other. One is the do-it-yourself method, which is okay, but the preferred way is to have a highly skilled service technician from Quality 1st Basement Systems do a proper inspection on your system.

The first method is to reach down into the sump and with your finger, lift up the float. (also known simply as the black or white ball that hangs off the sump pump) By lifting the float on the pump, you will trigger the motor on and should hear the impeller (the device that moves the water up the pipe) begin to start. If there’s water in the sump, it will pump it out. If there isn’t enough water in the sump, or none at all, you will hear the motor run and no water swishing around. If there is no water or not enough water, you will not know if that impeller pipe is working properly and it could get stuck, which happens from time to time.

There is also the second method, which is a more thorough way of checking a sump pump. This method consists of pouring water down in the sump using either a garden hose or a couple buckets of water. Basically, what you need to do is pour enough water in the pit so that it triggers the float by itself, engages the pump’s motor, ultimately showing you that the impeller is draining the water in the sump. If the water is pumped out, than you know your pump is working properly. If the water you poured just sits there and you hear the motor on but nothing is getting pumped out, than something is wrong and you should call Quality 1st Basement Systems for assistance.

If these home methods are simply not for you, you can use our annual service program here at Quality 1st. This means we will come out to your New Jersey home and inspect your basement to make sure everything is working properly.

About the author

Kristina McGovern
Content Specialist
After nearly a decade writing about home improvement, Kristina realizes the importance of having a dry, clean crawl space. Born and raised in Connecticut, she has made it her mission to find good pizza in the South. She enjoys spending time on her 13-acre property with her husband (and high school sweetheart), energetic toddler and rescued Labrador mix.
Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Township of Aberdeen
National Foundation Repair Association Member
2018 Angies List Super Service Award
Best Place to Work 2018
HomeAdvisor Association

our service area

We serve the following areas

Pennsylvania
  • Avondale
  • Bally
  • Barto
  • Bechtelsville
  • Brandamore
  • Chadds Ford
  • Chester Springs
  • Coatesville
  • Cochranville
  • Downingtown
  • Earlville
  • Elverson
  • Exton
  • Frederick
  • Gilbertsville
  • Glenmoore
  • Hereford
  • Honey Brook
  • Immaculata
  • Kelton
  • Kemblesville
  • Kennett Square
  • Landenberg
  • Lewisville
  • Lincoln University
  • Lionville
  • Lyndell
  • Mendenhall
  • Modena
  • New Berlinville
  • New London
  • Nottingham
  • Parkesburg
  • Pocopson
  • Pomeroy
  • Pottstown
  • Sadsburyville
  • Saint Peters
  • Sassamansville
  • Spring City
  • Thorndale
  • Toughkenamon
  • Unionville
  • Uwchland
  • Wagontown
  • West Chester
  • West Grove
  • Westtown
New Jersey Our Locations:

Quality 1st Basement Systems
359 Route 35 South
Cliffwood, NJ 07721
1-732-719-3079


Quality 1st Basement Systems
2750 Morris Rd
Lansdale, PA 19446
1-267-376-9955
Quality 1st Basement Systems service area
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