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There are several things you can do to maintain your sump pump and prevent sump pump problems. For instance, keeping a lid on your sump pit goes a long way in protecting your pump system from silt, sand, dirt, and other debris. When water drains from the outside, such as along your foundation, or with melting snow, water runoff often brings sediment with it. 

Also be wary of corrosion, particularly if your sump pump system is made of metal. Keep an eye out for rust and have it inspected regularly by a plumber or sump pump technician.

Yes, it’s normal (and beneficial) to have a small amount of water in the bottom of your sump pit. It shows that your system is collecting groundwater, rain, and excess water from around your property—just like it’s supposed to. However, if the sump pit is always full, you might have a leak or a faulty sump pump.

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from a sump pump failure or overflow. Coverage for water damage is often limited to sudden, unexpected events like a burst pipe that was not caused by negligence. To be covered for sump pump issues, you will likely need to purchase a specific rider, endorsement, or additional water backup insurance. If your insurer offers this type of coverage, they may require proof that your sump pump is regularly maintained.

If you have a self-cleaning washing machine but you’re still seeing lint, your water pump filter might be clogged. To clean it, you should unscrew the drain hose, then remove the water pump filter. From there, you can inspect it and clean it with warm water before replacing it. Check to be sure your washing machine is functioning by running a short cycle.