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Sump Pumps sit in a pit or basin in your basement and prevent residential flooding by draining accumulated water. By doing some simple maintenance, you can ensure that your sump pump is ready to tackle anything Mother Nature has to throw at it. 1. Clean the Sump Pump Although, this one seems obvious, making sure your pump is clean guarantees efficiency and a long service life. To clean your pump, start by removing the pump from its basin or pit after disconnecting it from the power supply. Next, clean any dirt or debris off the outside of the pump. Be sure to clean the inlet screen on the bottom as the screen can get clogged over time. Also clear any dirt, gravel, sand, or other debris that may have accumulated in the sump pit as well. This will help make sure your pump stays cleaner, longer. Depending on how often it’s used, your pump should be cleaned at least once a year. 2. Test the Pump Pour water from a bucket or large container into the basin. Make sure the float switch is not obstructed and is able to move freely. As the water level rises, the float should activate the pump and water should begin to drain. This will indicate that your pump is in working order. 3. Clean Drainage Pipes Check your pipes for any blockages or clogs so water can flow unimpeded. Also make sure all the pipes are connected tightly and there are no leaks. If your pipes are clogged, you may need assistance from your local plumber. 4. Level the Pump Make sure your pump sits level. If your pump is off kilter, the float arm may become jammed. This will result in the pump being unable to become activated. 5. Check the Power Source Make sure you’re plugged in! Check the power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. You may also want to have a battery backup system so your pump can continue to work in events such as a power failure. There is no rule for how often a sump pump should be replaced, but nothing in life lasts forever!  Your pump’s life depends on how often it runs and how often maintenance is done. If you’re in the market for a new sump pump, look no further than the plethora of pumps PumpProducts.com offers! PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability, and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.