With spring comes warmer temperatures, which can also mean rain, melting snow, and an increased risk of 
water seeping into your basement. That’s why now is a good time for both homeowners and business owners to prevent possible damage by checking sump pumps and performing necessary maintenance.
- Remove items from the floor by placing them in water tight containers up high or on pallets.
- Locate the power supply to the sump pump and confirm it is working. The unit must be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
- Make sure the float on the pump moves freely up and down.
- Check the intake or screen on the pump to make sure it is clear and free of debris.
- Test the sump pump. Fill the sump pit with water to make sure the float rises and the float switch engages with the water level. Once the water level drops, the pump should turn off.
- Make sure the pump is secured in place so that any vibration from use does not cause the pump to overturn or cause the float to become stuck.
- Check to see if the drainage line is clear and water is exiting the line.
You may also want to consider a backup power source for the sump pump such as a deep cycle marine battery in case of a power outage. Remember, sump pumps have a limited life span depending on the quality, so perform maintenance checks annually.