How To Reset A Sump Pump

When Would You Need To Reset Your Sump Pump? 

Most sump pumps are designed to run with very little maintenance, and you won’t need to reset them very often. There are usually 3 main reasons that you would need to reset your sump pump: 

How To Reset A Sump Pump (Step-by-Step Guide) 

If you notice that your sump pump isn't working correctly, then you'll need to reset it. Most pumps will have a reset button located on the outside of the pump. You can start by using this button and seeing if the pump restarts. If not, you'll need to follow the steps below to get it working again.  

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items: 

1. Shut Off The Power 

For your safety, it's crucial to shut off the power to the sump pump before you do any work. You'll be working with electronics in a wet environment, so make sure that the pump is turned off and the power is off at the circuit breaker.  

2. Remove The Pump 

Take the cover off your sump basin, and you should be able to see the sump pump inside. Carefully remove the drainage pipes connected to the pump and make sure not to bend or break any of them. Some excess water will likely leak out, so make sure you aren't wearing any new clothes!  

Once the pump is disconnected, you should lay out the towel or rags on the floor and put the pump on top of them.  

3. Clean The Basin 

Dirt and grime will gather in the bottom of the pump, so it's important to take this opportunity to clean it out. The easiest way to do this is to use the pressure hose and then use cloths to clean out the remaining debris.  

4. Clean The Pump Filter 

Your sump pump will have a filter that needs to be cleaned periodically. This stops debris from getting into your motor and machine, so it's important that it's working correctly. You can usually remove the filter and hand wash it in a sink or use the pressure hose again.  

5. Check The Sump Pump 

Check the internal mechanism and the outsides of the pump for any blockages or damages. Small stones or other debris can block the motor, and rust on the outside can cause leaks within the pump. Remove and clean what you can, but you might want to get a professional involved if the damage is too severe.  

6. Check Your Drain Line  

Your drains can become clogged with dirt and grime, which will impact how the sump pump operates. Check both the drain and discharge lines for any visible blockages, and if needed, you can force some pressurized water through them to clear them out.  

7. Reattach Everything  

Your sump pump should be in a position where it can work properly now. Attach the drain lines and move the pump back into position within the basin.  

8. Reset The Pump  

Locate the reset button on the pump. This is normally on the outside of the device and relatively easy to find. Hold this for 5-10 seconds until it stays in, then turn the power back on. Hopefully, your pump is now working again. If you don’t have a reset button, just turn the device off and on, which should have the same effect.  

How To Reset Sump Pump Backup Battery 

Your sump pump is an important piece of equipment in your home and essential for keeping groundwater out. Most modern models have a battery backup so that they can keep running in the event of a power outage. However, your battery also needs to be reset from time to time in order to keep the pump in working order.  

There are two main reasons that you’ll need to reset your sump pump battery:  

Bad Battery  

Your battery may be faulty, or it could have low battery fluid, which prevents it from giving an adequate power supply.  

Loose Cables 

The cables around your battery may have become loose at some point. If this is the case, you’ll need to tighten them up for it to work.  

In almost every sump pump, the device will beep if there's an issue. This is usually a sign to check the battery and to reset it; you'll need to follow these steps:  

How To Reset Sump Pump Alarm 

Your sump pump has an alarm that will start to beep if the water level is getting too high. This generally means there's an issue with the pump's performance, and it isn't draining the excess water as it should. There are a few reasons why this happens:  

Power Issue 

If there’s not enough power reaching the sump pump, it will stop it from working and cause the alarm to go off when the water rises. This could be caused by the circuit or by the outlet itself.  

Sump Pump Not Working 

Your pump has stopped working for some reason and isn’t draining the water. This is causing the alarm to go off because the water level has risen too high. You’ll need to reset the device to get it functioning again. 

Resetting Popular Sump Pump Models 

We've provided some general instructions on how to reset your sump pump, but every pump is slightly different. It's important to consult the user manual for every brand and follow their specific instructions so that you don't damage the pump. Here are some tips for resetting popular sump pump models: 

Zoeller  

Zoeller is one of the industry leaders when it comes to sump pumps. Their pumps are regarded as some of the most reliable on the market, but a common issue can occur with the floating arm getting stuck in the off position. Try to wiggle this about and see if this gets the pump working again.  

If you need to reset the pump, you should start by using the alarm reset button on the control to see if that works. If not, you should try unplugging it, waiting for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. This will usually work, but you can consult the user manual for more information. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Will unplugging the sump pump reset it? 

Yes, in most cases, if you unplug the sump pump, leave it for a few hours, and then plug it back in, it will reset the device.  

How do you tell if your sump pump is not working? 

The easiest way to tell if the sump pump isn’t working is that the water level will rise within the basin. Your sump pump alarm will start to beep when the water level gets within 6 inches of the top and give you an indication that your pump isn’t working properly.  

How often do sump pumps need to be reset? 

Your sump pump will only need to be reset if it stops working. Resetting it too often will cause issues, so only do it when there’s an issue with the pump. You will almost always need to reset it after any power outage or power surge.  

How do I make my sump pump kick in? 

To check if your sump pump is working properly, you can fill the basin with water until the float rises. This should activate the pump to drain water from your home. If it doesn't start, it means there’s an issue with the device.  

Conclusion

Your sump pump is one of the most important devices in your home, especially if you live in a wet area with a lot of excess groundwater. You need to keep it functioning correctly if you want to prevent water from seeping into your basement, and if there is an issue with the pump, you’ll probably need to reset it. Hopefully, this guide has helped explain when and how to reset your sump pump so you can get it working properly again as quickly as possible.