Be sure every 3 months to clean the pump inlet screen. This will help keep the flow of water open so there's less strain on the motor.
Every few months, be sure you check that the power cord is still plugged in. Pets and children may pull the cord from the wall, and not knowing could mean a flood in your home.
The last common test to do every three months is a bucket test. Dump a bucket full of water into the sump pump basin, enough to raise the float, and make sure the pump turns on.
Once a year, remove the pump from the basin, clean it, and inspect it. Clean out the basin, removing anything that could clog or damage the pump. Check your owners manual to find out if the pump bearings require any kind of oiling or maintenance. If you don't have an owners manual, you can try finding it on Sump Pumps Direct's Manual Look-up.
Return the pump to the basin and reattach it according to the owners manual. Check the power cord to make sure the cord is connected, then dump water in to raise the float and make certain it's connected properly and functioning correctly.
For more information on sump pumps, visit www.sumppumpsdirect.com