Homeowners rarely give much thought to their sump pumps except when things go wrong. Often hidden away in a basement sump basin, these devices activate to pump water outside when water reaches a certain level in the pit. But when they fail, homeowners face the prospect of a flooded basement and an expensive cleanup.

Highly rated plumbers recommend a few simple steps to maintain your sump pump and keep it in optimal condition.

Hire wisely

Brandon Counts, owner of Potomac Plumbing & Gas in Gainesville, Virginia, says homeowners can help ensure the longest life for their sump pump by hiring a licensed plumber to install it correctly.

“I see a lot of mistakes on the front end,” he says. “Lots of times, I’ll see a pump where a check valve wasn’t installed, and without one of those, the pump never gets a chance to rest.”

Check for yourself

Mike Tarvin, owner of highly rated Tarvin Plumbing in Cincinnati, suggests homeowners occasionally inspect their system and verify proper operation. “If the lid is easily removable, it’s easy to see if the pump is running or backed up,” he says.

Listen and learn

A sump pump should only make a basic motor sound and operate quickly. Counts also notes that unusual sounds, such as grinding or crunching, can indicate an obstruction, which can damage a pump or slow it down. He suggests hiring a professional to check for damage and perform maintenance in that case.

Call in the pros

At least once a year, plumbers recommend hiring a professional to perform an inspection and check the motor and electronics. Tarvin says this sort of inspection costs between $75 and $200, depending on whether maintenance needs to be performed.

Bet on a backup

Even the finest sump pump becomes an expensive piece of sculpture if a storm knocks out power.

Plumbers recommend installing a battery-powered backup to take up the slack. “Your sump pump is useless if your power goes out, so that backup is very important,” Counts says.