Wayne Texeira,
 Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

Do you have a sump pump in your basement? If yes, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that it’s working properly to keep your home dry and prevent damage from excess ground or rainwater. Periodic checking that your pump is functioning properly can reduce the chances of a failure at the worst possible moment.  The best time of year to annually test your sump pump is late winter/early spring before the “wet season” of snow melt, thawing ground thaw and heavy spring rains. 

Causes of Failure

Some reasons that a sump pump can fail include:

  • Power outage/Battery backup failure
  • Burned out motor
  • Unplugged, blown fuse or damaged power source
  • Clogged intake or discharge
  • Frozen discharge pipe
  • Broken/stuck float switch
  • Broken impeller

If your system doesn’t have a battery backup, we strongly recommend having one installed. Sump pumps are often needed most in a severe storm where power might get knocked out. Having an alternate power source can avert a disaster.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can probably handle a basic check and cleaning of your sump pump. But, if you need assistance or run into any problems, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber. It’s also good to have a professional inspection if you’ve recently bought your home.

Maintenance Checklist

There are so many different types of pumps, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for specific advice on maintenance and testing. Your owner’s manual can also provide guidance if service is required.  Here are some general steps:

  • Unplug the unit before you begin your inspection
  • Remove the pump from the sump, clean it, and inspect it
  • Check the owner’s manual for maintenance instructions and to determine if the pump bearings require grease or oil
  • Inspect and clean out the sump pit
  • Replace the sump pump
  • Connect the power cord and inspect that the cord and power source are in good shape.
  • Dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and ensure the pump turns on, adjusting the float if required.
  • Check alarm. Not all sump pumps have an alarm that sounds when the pump turns on, but if yours does, be sure it’s working.
  • Battery back-up. Make sure the battery is charged.

Here are a couple of links you might find helpful:

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-out-a-Sump-Pit
http://homerepair.about.com/od/plumbingrepair/ss/sump_pump_maint_tips.htm

Other Times to Check

In addition to annual maintenance, it’s a good idea to clean the inlet and pump screen quarterly. Also, if there is a threat of a serious storm, it’s worth a double check to make sure the sump pit doesn’t contain any debris that could cause a clog and that the outlet pipe is clear so that water can flow properly.

Taking a little time to inspect your sump pump and other safety features and devices in your home is well worth it. While having proper insurance protection can help repair damage after a disaster, it’s so much better to avoid the disaster if you can with proper prevention.

NOTE: Murphy Insurance Agency makes no representation or warranty regarding the completeness or accuracy of information provided above or via the linked sites. The Agency is in no way liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information, and programs made available.

Read Other Blog Posts

Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Ashley Pu Calderon and Wayne Texeira

Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey
College Students 1200

Headed to College? Don’t Forget About Insurance

Whether it’s freshman year or senior year, sending a student off to college is a big deal. Between class schedules, dorm shopping, moving day, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, there’s a lot going on. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook things like insurance. But here’s the thing: insurance should definitely be on your college checklist, because being covered can save you time, money, and major stress down the road.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.