Test a sump pump

Summary: Confirm your sump pump activates, moves water, and shuts off correctly before heavy rain.

Before you start

Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.

Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.

Steps

1. Locate the sump pit and verify the exterior discharge is clear.
2. Lift the float or add water until the pump engages.
3. Watch the discharge outside and check for leaks at unions.
4. Ensure the pump shuts off at the correct level.
5. Test GFCI and consider a battery backup or alarm.

Tools & materials

• Bucket or hose
• Flashlight
• Gloves
• GFCI tester (optional)

Common mistakes

Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.

Pro tip

Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.