Sump pump checks
Pour water in the pit a few times a year and watch the pump start and stop. Listen for unusual noise.
Check the discharge outlet outside to make sure it is clear.
Keep the lid on and the cord dry.
Battery backups
Test the backup, check the charger light and read the alarm. Batteries wear out over time, so note the age.
Replace batteries on the maker schedule.
A backup that has not been tested may not be ready.
Gutters and downspouts
Clean gutters in spring and fall, and more often with trees nearby. Flush downspouts with a hose.
Make sure extensions are in place and drain away from the house.
In Nashville, a late-fall cleaning pays off.
Grading and drains
Look at the ground beside the foundation after heavy rain. Fill low spots and keep soil below siding and brick.
Clear catch basins and emitters of leaves and debris.
Check window well drains and covers.
Crawl space and basement air
Look at the crawl space liner, door and drain. Check the dehumidifier filter and drain line.
Watch humidity and keep it in range.
Notice musty smells and investigate early.
Yearly inspection
A yearly visit compares your system with last year, tests equipment and gives a short to-do list.
Many owners schedule it in late winter.
Our maintenance plan puts it on the calendar.
Test early, clean often and let a yearly visit catch what you cannot see.
