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I used to ignore my basement sump pump until a neighbor's flood

For years, I just listened for the pump to kick on and figured that was enough. Then my neighbor in Ohio City had a basement flood last spring when his pump failed during a heavy rain. He said it cost him over $2,000 in water damage. Now, I test mine monthly by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it runs and clears. Has anyone else set up a regular check like this, or do you use a different method?
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3 Comments
jasonf17
jasonf175d ago
Seriously, a whole monthly test? That feels like a lot of work for something that just sits there. My pump is like ten years old and I've never once poured water in it on purpose. If it kicks on when it rains, great. If not, well, that's what insurance is for, right? Seems like you're just asking for trouble by messing with it all the time.
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blair_webb
blair_webb5d agoProlific Poster
Monthly checks seem like overkill to me. My pump only runs a few times a year during big storms, so I just give it a quick look and listen when it does. I've had the same one for eight years with no issues. Pouring water in every month just seems like you're wearing out the parts faster for no real reason.
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the_kim
the_kim5d ago
But what if it fails during a storm because you missed a dry seal, @blair_webb?
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