Thread: what do you use to test sump pumps?

Hey all,

I use a long screw driver to test submersible sump pumps. Does anyone use something that works better?

It has to be insulated or I won't use it...

Thank you

mk

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There are those float-less types that have the skinny tube running up the cord to the plug. I gross out/entertain my clients by sucking on the tube, putting my thumb over it, and plugging it in briefly to force the pump to run.

Then there are the kind that have two plugs - one plugged into the other. Unplug them from the receptacle, unplug them from each other, then plug in the one that was not plugged into the receptacle, to force the pump to run.

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Then there are the kind that have two plugs - one plugged into the other. Unplug them from the receptacle, unplug them from each other, then plug in the one that was not plugged into the receptacle, to force the pump to run.

I stick a garden hose in through a window and flood the basement. If the sump pump fails to run, I advise my client to buy another house. Nah, just kidding. I do the plug thing or the pull thing, but have never tried the suck thing.

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Then there are the kind that have two plugs - one plugged into the other. Unplug them from the receptacle, unplug them from each other, then plug in the one that was not plugged into the receptacle, to force the pump to run.

I didn't know that.

Originally Posted by John Arnold

There are those float-less types that have the skinny tube running up the cord to the plug. I gross out/entertain my clients by sucking on the tube, putting my thumb over it, and plugging it in briefly to force the pump to run.

LOL I draw the line there!

Originally Posted by John Kogel

I stick a garden hose in through a window and flood the basement. If the sump pump fails to run, I advise my client to buy another house. Nah, just kidding. I do the plug thing or the pull thing, but have never tried the suck thing.

I tried flooding the basement I but never seemed to get anymore referrals from that Realtor!

What is the pull thing? What if they have a float but no double plug? What would you use then?

i use an old hickory golf club---you can buy them at any garage sale or flea market

chas

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

i use an old hickory golf club---you can buy them at any garage sale or flea market

chas

That's a good idea!

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

LOL I draw the line there!

You have to give your immune system something to do every once in a while. Use it or lose it!

I don't just grab the thing and suck! I'm not stupid! I spit on it first and wipe it off, then suck. Clients are very impressed, as they back slowly away.

Originally Posted by John Arnold

You have to give your immune system something to do every once in a while. Use it or lose it!

I don't just grab the thing and suck! I'm not stupid! I spit on it first and wipe it off, then suck. Clients are very impressed, as they back slowly away.

LOL

Some require water cooling. What's wrong with loading a few bucket fulls of water into the sump to activate the pump, thus not jepordizng the prime for the next duty call, or overheating the motor?

Originally Posted by John Arnold

You have to give your immune system something to do every once in a while. Use it or lose it!

I don't just grab the thing and suck! I'm not stupid! I spit on it first and wipe it off, then suck. Clients are very impressed, as they back slowly away.

I do the same thing John. I guess that's why I don't get many kisses at my inspections.

YOU GUYS SUCK

Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET

YOU GUYS SUCK

And we're proud of it, too.

For the pumps with the vent tube (Hydro-Matic) be aware that the first plug that inserts into the receptacle is for the switch to power the pump. If you only plug in the secondary plug you have bypassed the switch and will not know if it is functioning.

Originally Posted by Eric Barker

For the pumps with the vent tube (Hydro-Matic) be aware that the first plug that inserts into the receptacle is for the switch to power the pump. If you only plug in the secondary plug you have bypassed the switch and will not know if it is functioning.

Good point. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Eric Barker

For the pumps with the vent tube (Hydro-Matic) be aware that the first plug that inserts into the receptacle is for the switch to power the pump. If you only plug in the secondary plug you have bypassed the switch and will not know if it is functioning.

Good point
Takes care of that idea

Originally Posted by John Arnold

There are those float-less types that have the skinny tube running up the cord to the plug. I gross out/entertain my clients by sucking on the tube, putting my thumb over it, and plugging it in briefly to force the pump to run.

To test these type I stick my finger in the switch hole to see what happens. I'd be fraid to suck on these because if there is a hole in the rubber diaphragm on the switch you could a bit of stuff in your mouth. You can also suck debris into the air vent tube rendering the cord useless.

If the sump contains water, I lift the float that is connected to the switch. If the sump is dry, I drink a lot of water, then I carefully lean over the sump and...

Originally Posted by John Arnold

I gross out/entertain my clients by sucking on the tube, putting my thumb over it, and plugging it in briefly .

But what about the pump?

Originally Posted by H.G. Watson, Sr.

Some require water cooling. What's wrong with loading a few bucket fulls of water into the sump to activate the pump, thus not jepordizng the prime for the next duty call, or overheating the motor?

I do the actual test run: fill up the sump by turn on all faucets in basement, eg. washer, laundry tub, sink, bath tub, shower and flush the toilet at the same time. Then sitting by the sump to watch/hear the pump start in and cut off.
For dual pump system, I keep the water running and watch for the alternate pump cut in.
For triple pump stystem, I unplug the two electric pumps and let the battery-powered pump (or water-powered pump) cut in.
Also test run the overflow alarm by idle all pumps.

It sounds like you are testing a sewer lift pump and not a sump pump. I agree with your testing method for sewer pumps.