Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist
A maintenance checklist for sump pumps covering float switch testing, impeller inspection, discharge pipe checks, and alarm verification — for basement and sub-ground drainage protection.
Also available as editable Excel and Word — with asset, sign-off and findings columns.
What is a sump pump maintenance checklist?
A sump pump maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 11 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional, cleaning, safety and record-keeping checks — that keep a sump pump running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core sump pump checks
- Inspect the sump pit for debris, silt, or blockages
- Test float switch operation by raising the water level or manually activating
- Clean the sump pit and pump intake screen
- Test the high-level alarm
- Record test results and any maintenance performed
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump removes water that collects in a sump pit, typically in basements, lift pits, plant rooms, or below-ground areas. Sump pumps protect buildings from flooding caused by groundwater ingress, rainwater infiltration, or equipment condensate. They are usually submersible units with float switch controls and may include duty/standby arrangements with high-level alarms for critical applications.
This checklist is one of 27 in our plumbing and water system maintenance checklists, covering pressurisation units, booster sets, storage tanks, TMVs and water treatment — pressure, hygiene and legionella control.
Typical Sump pump maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Inspect the sump pit for debris, silt, or blockages
- Inspect the power supply cable and connections for damage
Functional Checks
- Test float switch operation by raising the water level or manually activating
- Verify the pump starts and stops at the correct water levels
- Check pump runs without unusual noise or vibration
- Verify the discharge pipe is clear and flowing to the correct drain
- Check the non-return valve on the discharge pipe operates correctly
- Test duty/standby changeover where applicable
Cleaning & Housekeeping
- Clean the sump pit and pump intake screen
Safety Checks
- Test the high-level alarm
Record Keeping
- Record test results and any maintenance performed
Download the free Sump pump maintenance checklist PDF
Get all 11 tasks as a printable PDF — free, no signup needed. Keep a copy in the plant room, attach it to work orders, or share it with your maintenance contractor.
The PDF is free and needs nothing. The Excel and Word versions add asset details, sign-off and findings columns so you can record the work as you do it — we ask for an email address for those.
Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for sump pump maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Monthly
- •Test float switch and pump operation
- •Visual inspection of sump pit
Quarterly
- •Clean sump pit and intake screen
- •Test high-level alarm
- •Check discharge NRV
Annually
- •Full pump service
- •Inspect cable and connections
- •Review alarm connections to BMS
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining sump pump equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for sump pump maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- SFG20 schedules and CIBSE Guide M
- North America
- ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 and Hydraulic Institute maintenance guidance
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning sump pump maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Sump pump documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your sump pump documentation and ask questions like “What is the design duty point?” or “When were the pump seals last replaced?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
The checklist tells you what to check. The manual tells you the numbers.
Ask a sump pump manual a question and get the answer back with the page it came from. No signup, and you can drop in your own PDF instead of the sample.
“What is the design duty point?”Runs against a sample chiller manual so you can see the shape of the answer — then try it on one of yours.
Take this checklist with you
Download the branded PDF, generate a custom version for your asset, or run AI search across all your building documentation.
Related free tools
Related maintenance checklists
Further reading on sump pump maintenance
Compliance & CAFM
Run sump pump maintenance in PM Assist
This checklist is also a planned maintenance programme in PM Assist, included in every paid plan alongside the compliance register and mobile inspections.
- Add a sump pump to a building's asset register and this maintenance programme is created for you, with each task on its frequency in the planner.
- Drainage Inspection & Clearance is tracked on the compliance register, with the date last done, the date next due and the certificate.
- Contractors can be given a login to see their jobs and upload certificates.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a sump pump be tested?
Why is my sump pump running continuously?
Do I need a duty/standby sump pump?
Manage your building documentation with AI
PM Assist gives FM teams instant access to O&M manuals, drawings, and maintenance knowledge — all searchable with AI.
- Upload and organise building documentation
- AI-powered search across all your manuals
- Source-cited answers for maintenance queries
- Team collaboration and access control
- No credit card required to start