Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Your sump pump doesn’t get much attention until it fails.

When heavy rain hits Kansas City or snow starts to melt, this small pump plays a big role. It keeps water out of your basement, protects your foundation, and helps prevent mold before it spreads.

But like any part of your plumbing system, it needs routine care. Skipping maintenance might not seem like a big deal until water starts rising and the pump doesn’t turn on. At that point, you’re dealing with soaked carpet, damaged drywall, and costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll show you the exact steps to keep your sump pump working before you need it. Most of these tasks take just a few minutes and don’t require tools. And if something doesn’t look right, you’ll know when to call a local pro.

Let’s start with the basics, what you should check every month.

Why Sump Pump Maintenance Matters in Kansas City

Kansas City gets hit with heavy rainfalls and fluctuating ground moisture levels especially in neighborhoods with older foundations, like Waldo, Brookside, and the Northland. With basement flooding a regular concern in the area, your sump pump is a critical defense.

We’ve replaced failed sump pumps near Troost Avenue, unclogged discharge lines in Liberty, and rebuilt systems in Overland Park that hadn’t been serviced in years.

Don’t wait until your basement is underwater. Preventative maintenance is simple, fast, and can save you from major repairs.

Quick Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Not sure where to begin? Start here.

This simple checklist covers what you need to keep your sump pump working all year. Most of these steps take just a few minutes and they can save you from a flooded basement and a big repair bill later.

Monthly

✅ Check that the pump is plugged in and the cord looks safe
✅ Pour water into the pit to make sure it kicks on and shuts off
✅ Look for standing water or a musty smell around the pit

Seasonal (Every 3–4 Months)

✅ Clean the inlet screen
✅ Make sure the float switch moves freely
✅ Check the discharge line for clogs or buildup
✅ Listen for weird noises, grinding, buzzing, or banging

Annual Maintenance

✅ Pull the pump and clean off any dirt or sludge
✅ Test the backup battery (or replace if it’s 3+ years old)
✅ Flush the discharge pipe with a garden hose
✅ Check for rust, loose bolts, or worn-out parts

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Monthly Sump Pump Maintenance Tasks

A quick check once a month can prevent major flooding especially in Kansas City neighborhoods prone to basement leaks like Brookside, Waldo, and parts of Independence.

These steps take just a few minutes and can help catch small issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.

1. Make Sure It Has Power

Check that your sump pump is plugged into a working outlet. The cord should be in good condition—no frays, kinks, or exposed wires.
If it’s connected to a GFCI outlet, press the “reset” button to make sure the outlet is live. Kansas City homes built after 1990 often have GFCIs in basements by code.

2. Test the Pump with Water

Fill a bucket with water and slowly pour it into the sump pit. The float should rise, turn the pump on, and discharge the water.
Watch the full cycle:

• The water should drain quickly.

• The pump should shut off once the pit is empty.
  If it runs too long, doesn’t turn on, or makes unusual noises it needs attention.

3. Check for Dampness or Standing Water

Inspect the area around the sump pit and your basement floor.
If you notice:

• Water stains

• Musty or moldy smells

• Soft spots in flooring or walls

…it could mean your pump is falling behind. These are early red flags especially common after spring storms in KC.

Seasonal or Quarterly Sump Pump Maintenance

Some sump pump failures don’t show up until the system is under pressure like during heavy spring rains or sudden Kansas City snowmelts. That’s why we recommend doing a deeper check every 3–4 months, especially in March, June, and late fall.

These tasks help prevent failures right when you need the pump most.

1. Clean the Inlet Screen

The sump pump inlet screen blocks dirt, gravel, and debris from entering the pump. Over time, it can clog and strain the system.

Here’s how to clean it:

• Unplug the pump.

• Gently wipe off any buildup from the screen at the base.

• If the screen is cracked, torn, or falling apart, it’s time to replace it.

We’ve seen pumps in Midtown homes fail simply because this screen was completely buried in silt.

2. Check the Discharge Line

This pipe sends water out of your home, so it must stay clear.

Look for:

• Dirt, leaves, or ice buildup

• Crushed or disconnected piping

• Ends that are too close to your home’s foundation

Local Tip: In areas like North Kansas City and Raytown, where grading can trap water near homes, make sure your discharge line runs at least 10 feet away and drains downhill.

3. Inspect the Float Switch

The float switch is what tells your pump to turn on or off. If it sticks or doesn’t move freely, your pump might never activate or run continuously and burn out.

Lift the float gently by hand:

• It should move smoothly and trigger the pump without hesitation.

• If it sticks, wobbles, or seems slow to react, the switch may need to be cleaned or replaced.

4. Listen for Strange Noises

Your sump pump shouldn’t be silent, but it also shouldn’t sound like a garbage disposal.

If you hear:

• Grinding

• Banging

• Buzzing or humming with no water movement

…it’s likely a problem with the motor, bearings, or impeller. A Prairie Village homeowner recently caught a burnt-out motor just in time after noticing a loud vibration during a test cycle.

Annual Sump Pump Maintenance: A Once-a-Year Deep Check

Once a year, it’s worth giving your sump pump a full lookover. This isn’t just busy work—it helps the pump last longer and gives you peace of mind when Kansas City storms hit hard. We do this for a lot of homes near Brookside and Waldo, where basements are more likely to flood. You can do most of it yourself. And if not, we’re just a call away.

1. Pull the Pump and Clean It

Unplug your sump pump. Disconnect the pipe that carries water out. Then lift the pump out of the pit.

Use a hose to rinse off any gunk, dirt, or sludge stuck to it. Wipe down the sides, especially near the bottom. While it’s out, clean the inside of the pit too. A little dust is fine. If there’s sand, gravel, or muck, get it out. That stuff slows everything down.

A clean pump doesn’t have to work as hard. And it’s way less likely to fail when it matters.

2. Test the Backup Pump

If you’ve got a battery backup (and we recommend it in KC), unplug the main pump. Then pour water into the pit like you’re testing a real flood.

The backup power source should kick on without any help.

Look at the battery label. If it’s more than 3 years old, swap it out. Most backup batteries start losing power around then even if they seem fine.

3. Flush the Discharge Line

This one’s simple. Disconnect the pipe that carries water away from the house. Stick a hose in it and blast some water through.

Stuff like mineral buildup, sand, and tiny roots can slow the water down. We’ve cleared lines like this all over North KC and Raytown. After a few years, even clean water leaves deposits.

If water shoots out the other end right away, you’re good. If not, keep flushing.

4. Look for Rust or Damage

Give the pump a once-over. Look at the body, the bolts, and the pipe fittings. If you see orange flakes, rough patches, or metal that looks eaten away, that’s rust.

A little surface rust is okay. But if anything looks weak, or if parts are breaking apart, the pump’s probably near the end of its lifespan.

Last year, we replaced a pump in Overland Park because the bolts had rusted clean through. The homeowner had no idea until the pump shifted during a storm.

Signs Your Sump Pump Might Be Ready to Quit

Even if you’re taking good care of your sump pump, it won’t last forever. Most pumps run strong for about 7 to 10 years less if they’re working hard during wet Kansas City seasons. The trick is spotting signs of trouble before you end up with soaked carpet and a basement full of water.

Here’s what to watch for:

1. The Pump Doesn’t Turn On

You pour water in. The float rises. Nothing happens.

That’s a red flag. The switch could be stuck. The motor might be burned out. Or the power may be dead at the outlet.

Before assuming the worst, plug something else into that outlet. If that works, the issue’s in the pump not the power supply.

2. It Runs Constantly or Kicks On Too Often

Your pump should only run when there’s water to move. If it won’t shut off, or it starts up every few minutes, that’s not normal.

This could mean:

• The float is stuck

• The pit is too small

• The switch isn’t shutting things down like it should

Whatever the cause, a pump that never gets a break will wear out early and drive up your electric bill.

3. It Sounds… Wrong

Sump pumps make noise. But if it sounds like it’s grinding gravel, shaking the floor, or buzzing for no reason—that’s trouble.

We’ve found debris jammed in the impeller. Loose parts banging around inside. Or motors on their last leg.

If it sounds off, don’t wait.

4. It’s Over 10 Years Old

Your pump might still be running, but older units don’t always show signs before they fail. And when they go, they go fast.

If yours is pushing the 10-year mark (or past it), think about replacing it before the next big storm hits. A few of our Kansas City customers learned this the hard way—right after their basements filled up overnight.

5. Water Just Sits There

If the pump runs but water stays in the pit, something’s wrong. The discharge line could be blocked. A check valve may have failed. Or the pump just doesn’t have enough power anymore.

Whatever the reason, if water isn’t moving, it’s not doing its job.

Pro tip: If you spot even one of these signs, it’s worth having a licensed plumber take a look. Catching it early can save you thousands in water damage and cleanup.

How Smedley Plumbing Can Help

Even with regular upkeep, sump pumps can act up, and some problems just need a pro. That’s where we come in.

At Smedley Plumbing, we’ve repaired and replaced sump pumps all over Kansas City. From clogged discharge lines in Brookside to failed backups in Overland Park, we know what to look for and how to fix it fast.

Every plumber on our team has more than 10,000 hours of field experience. We can spot the difference between a stuck float and a failing motor and we carry the parts to fix both. No waiting. No guesswork.

Here’s what we handle:

• Routine sump pump checkups and thorough cleaning

• Battery backup testing and replacement

• New sump pump installs and full replacements

• Discharge line cleaning and flow repairs

• Emergency service when flooding is a real risk

We work clean. We explain things in plain language. And we never push repairs you don’t need. If your system’s working fine, we’ll tell you that too.

Not sure what your pump needs? Let us take a look. We serve homes all across Kansas City—and we’re ready when you are.

“Three Clear Options. One Dry Basement.” A Sump Pump Story

Barbara contacted us with a sump pump issue. It wasn’t working the way it should, and with heavy rainwater on the way, she wanted it looked at right away.

We arrived on time and explained what we found. No confusion. No pressure. Just a straight explanation of what was wrong and three clear ways to move forward. As Barbara put it, “He told me exactly what was wrong with my sump pump. Then gave me three options to fix it.”

Once we finished the repair, we didn’t just leave. We walked her through everything we had done so she could see the results for herself. In her words, “Afterwards he showed me everything he had done.”

That’s how we do it at Smedley Plumbing. We explain the issue, give you options, do the work right, and make sure you know exactly what was done.

Barbara closed her review with something we’re proud of. “I would recommend Smedley Plumbing to everyone.”

We’re ready to help you too—before the next storm hits.

Review Link