If you live in a home with a basement or crawl space, you probably have a sump pump.  You may have heard it cycling during a rainy part of the year, but you were not quite sure where it was located or what it was doing.  Unfortunately, sump pumps are underappreciated, and usually only thought of or cared about after failure when you notice water in your basement or crawl space.   

As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to check your sump pump(s) annually, generally before the spring thaw. Here are a few guided steps to get you started.

Pump Location:

First, locate your sump pump.  It can usually be found in a basement utility room or low point in the crawl space.  The sump pump will be recessed in a sump basin or pit with a discharge pipe running up to the ceiling or out the wall.  Most have covers, which can easily be pried open with a screwdriver or knife.  In review, you want to make sure the sump pump is plugged in to a working electrical outlet.  

NOTE: Be sure to unplug the sump before working on or around it.  Also DO NOT use an extension cord to connect the sump pump to electrical.  The sump pump cord must be plugged directly into a working outlet that is installed above the pump.