Sump pump repair in Atlanta, GA

Short answerPour a bucket of water into the pit; the pump should turn on. FEMA says to replace it if it's more than 10 years old, you never hear it run, or it cycles on and off during rain.

Test it

FEMA says to assess your sump pump once a year, and to test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit; the pump should turn on (FEMA).

Signs it needs replacing

FEMA says to replace the pump if it is more than 10 years old, if deep puddles form around the house when it rains, if you never hear it running, or if you hear it power on and off when it's raining (FEMA).

Cleaning it

FEMA's steps: turn off the breaker and unplug the pump, disconnect it from the discharge pipe and lift it out, remove and inspect the check valve, clean debris off the pump and brush the inlet screen, check the manual for lubrication, then reinstall, restore power and test (FEMA).

Sump pump vs. backwater valve

A sump pump moves groundwater out. A backwater valve keeps sewage from flowing back in. Gwinnett County says Georgia plumbing code requires a sanitary backwater valve when a fixture on the bottom level sits below the next upstream manhole (Gwinnett County).

Insurance

The Insurance Information Institute says some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not, and a rider can be added (Insurance Information Institute). Ask whether your policy includes sump overflow.

Common questions

The basement already flooded.

See flooded basement cleanup on 404 Water Damage.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or plumbing advice.