Testing Sump Pumps vs. Monitoring Sump Pumps: The Advantages of Both

Both testing and monitoring sump pumps are essential for ensuring a dry basement or crawl space. However, they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages.

Testing Sump Pumps

Testing a sump pump involves manually or automatically activating it to ensure it works as expected.

Advantages of Testing:

1. Immediate confirmation – Ensures the pump is operational when tested.
2. Prevents failure in emergencies – Identifies mechanical or electrical issues before a heavy rain event.
3. Checks functionality – Ensures float switches, check valves, and discharge pipes are working properly.
4. Removes sediment build-up – Running the pump occasionally prevents debris from clogging the system.
5. Can be done manually – Requires no additional technology beyond basic tools and observation.

Limitations of Testing:

• Requires someone to remember to check it regularly.
• A working test does not guarantee it won’t fail between checks.

Monitoring Sump Pumps

Monitoring involves using sensors, alarms, or smart technology to track the pump’s status and alert homeowners to potential failures.

Advantages of monitoring:

1. Real-Time alerts – Notifies homeowners via alarms, text, or app notifications if a failure is detected.
2. Remote accessibility – Smart monitors allow users to check sump pump status from anywhere.
3. Continuous monitoring – Can detect rising water levels, power failures, or pump malfunctions in real time.
4. Prevents flood damage – Early warnings allow for quick response before flooding occurs.
5. Detects subtle failures – Some systems track pump cycles and water levels, identifying problems before they become severe.

Limitations of Monitoring:

• May require Wi-Fi, battery backups, or a subscription for smart features.
• Does not actively fix mechanical problems—only alerts the homeowner.

Best Approach: The Basement Defender

For maximum protection, it’s the only system that will test your sump pumps every day.

Protect your basement and your valuables from water damage with our patented sump pump monitor and alarm. A monitoring and testing system that you can install yourself.

The Basement Defender system exercises your pumps every day and will send you an alert if there is a problem BEFORE an emergency situation arises.

The Basement Defender also monitors your temperature and humidity, so if you get a spike in humidity, you might have a water leak from another location other than your sump pit. If you get a low temperature alert, your water pipes could freeze and burst, causing catastrophic damage.