Clean and Check for Rust
Before the snow melts or rain falls, it is a good idea to check your sump pump and make sure it is functioning. This would include cleaning the sump pit of any debris, such as leaves or sand that may have gotten into the system. Make sure your electrical connection is working and the pump has power. I pull the pump and make sure the impeller can rotate freely and hasn’t rusted. If the pump is showing a lot of rust I would replace it immediately. A new pump is cheap compared to the cost of flood mitigation. I have had rusted shafts twist in two at the most inopportune times, (like 2:00 AM in the middle of a storm). I would also fill the pit with water for a test run and verify that everything is functioning correctly.
What to Look For
Next you need to verify the discharge pipe is clear and the water will be pumped away from your foundation. The pump should discharge at least 8 to 10 feet away from your foundation and should flow away from there, following the drainage away from your house. In most municipalities, it is illegal to discharge into the city sewer. It is also illegal to discharge across a public sidewalk or alley. Make sure the discharge pipe is clear and not broken. When I checked my system this season I found that a 20-year-old PVC pipe ruptured under my deck, thus spraying water around my foundation. Make sure the water is getting away and not short cycling back to your pit.
My neighbor had a large flow of water that went 20 feet from her house and then disappeared into the ground by a large tree. Turns out it was following the roots back to the house and reentering the system. So take a few minutes now to check your system and protect your home from water damage in your lower level and to your foundation. The middle of the night is not when you want to find out you have a failure.