Sump Pump Season Is Here

Test It Now and Add a Battery Backup Before Spring Storms

As the weather starts to warm up and the snow finally melts, homeowners across Connecticut begin to notice more water moving around their homes—sometimes in places they definitely don’t want it. Early spring is one of the most common times for basement floods, and in many cases, a simple bit of sump pump maintenance could have prevented the mess.

At Homestead Comfort, we see it every year. A sump pump that hasn’t been checked in months gets overwhelmed during the first big thaw or spring storm. The homeowner thinks the pump is fine… until it suddenly isn’t.

Now is the perfect time for a quick checkup. A few minutes of maintenance today can help you avoid thousands of dollars in water damage later.

Why Spring Is “Sump Pump Season”

Between melting snow, saturated soil, and the return of heavy spring rainstorms, your sump pump is about to start working overtime.

Common springtime problems we see in North Central Connecticut include:

• Water pooling around foundations
• Basement dampness after a thaw
• Sump pumps running inconsistently or not at all
• Pumps overwhelmed during heavy storms
• Backup or failure due to power outages

Most of these issues are preventable with early-season maintenance.

Quick Tests Homeowners Can Do Today

You don’t need to be a plumber to run a basic sump pump check. Here are simple tests that take five minutes:

1. Check the power source

Make sure the pump is plugged in and the outlet is working. A surprising amount of “failures” are just unplugged pumps.

2. Inspect the pit

Remove the lid and look for:

• Excess sediment
• Debris blocking the float
• Anything preventing the pump from turning on

3. Pour a bucket of water into the pit

This is the simplest way to confirm the pump still activates:

• The float should rise
• The pump should switch on
• Water should discharge quickly and smoothly

If it hesitates, struggles, or doesn’t activate at all, it’s time for an inspection.

4. Check the discharge line

Water should be directed well away from your home. A clogged or frozen discharge line can send water right back toward the foundation.

5. Listen for unusual noise

Grinding, rattling, or humming can be early signs of motor issues.

Why a Battery Backup Is Critical Before Spring Storms

Power outages are common during heavy wind and rain, which means your sump pump—the only thing keeping your basement dry—may stop running right when you need it most.

A sump pump with a battery backup system:

• Keeps running during a power outage
• Activates automatically
• Helps handle heavy water flow when the primary pump can’t keep up
• Provides peace of mind during multi-day storms

Homeowners are often surprised by how affordable backup systems actually are compared to the damage a single flood can cause.

If your home doesn’t already have one, adding a battery backup before spring storms is one of the best investments you can make in flood prevention.

When to Call for a Professional Inspection

Even if your sump pump passes a basic test, problems can still go unnoticed without a professional evaluation—especially if your pump is more than 7–10 years old.

You should schedule a sump pump inspection if:

• Your pump hasn’t been serviced in a year
• You’ve had any basement dampness
• You’re unsure how old the pump is
• Your pump runs constantly or not at all
• You don’t have a battery backup installed
•  
• You’ve recently noticed changes in water flow around your home

A trained technician can:

• Recommend or install a backup system

A routine inspection costs far less than recovering from even a small basement flood.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm

Spring in Connecticut brings unpredictable weather, fast snowmelt, and plenty of groundwater movement. If your sump pump isn’t ready, your basement isn’t protected.

Homestead Comfort has been helping local homeowners keep their homes safe and dry since 1989. Our plumbing team offers:

• Sump pump inspections
• Sump pump replacement
• Battery backup installations
• Basement flood prevention
• Full plumbing service and repairs

A small bit of maintenance today can make all the difference when the next storm rolls in.

Need your sump pump inspected? Our team can help. Schedule your service now and be ready before spring storms arrive.