how to test my sump pump.. - DIY Chatroom

windowguy · 11-06-2009, 05:04 PM

its been about 3 years since my sump pump last ran. I know, that's a good thing, right?.. Anyway i'd like to test it. I tried putting a hose down the hole but its so dry down there that i ran it for like 20 minutes and i can't get the water up to a level where it kicks on.

The drain pipe is PVC so its not like i can just "lift up" the pump to put it into a bucket to create the pressure to turn it on. Are there any tricks to get it to come on since it is difficult to lift the pump?

thanks..

plumber Jim · 11-06-2009, 06:53 PM

you could just disconnect it at the check valve or union whatever you have to take the drain pipe apart then test it in a bucket etc.

Daniel Holzman · 11-06-2009, 08:10 PM

Just lift up the float to see if it comes on. If you only run it for a few seconds it will not hurt the pump, even if the sump is bone dry.

plumber Jim · 11-07-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

Just lift up the float to see if it comes on. If you only run it for a few seconds it will not hurt the pump, even if the sump is bone dry.

True. That will tell you it the motor works but not the impeller. If the impeller is bad it will run but not pump.

windowguy · 11-08-2009, 07:27 PM

theres no float.. its one of those kind that goes on with the "pressure" of the water..

AllanJ · 11-09-2009, 12:31 AM

Can you take off the cover and reach down into the pit (the sump) and stuff any incoming pipes (say from a perimeter drain system) with wads of cloth small enough to fit but large enough not to get lost in those pipes? Then see if you can fill the pit with plain water and see if the pump comes on at a proper time.