Sump pumps are an essential element of basement water removal and prevention of flooding. Unfortunately, they may develop issues and need to be repaired.
Having a professional inspect your pump is one of the best ways to avoid this issue from arising. Here are some items they will check during their examination:
Clean the Screen or Inlet Opening
Sump pumps are invaluable tools to have in your basement to prevent costly water damage. However, they require regular maintenance in order to remain effective. You should inspect your pump periodically throughout the year as well as after heavy rains.
One of the simplest ways to keep your sump pump running smoothly is by cleaning its screen or inlet opening. This area often collects debris and gunk, leading to clogs in the unit; cleaning this area with a brush should be done at least once annually for best results and to avoid costly repair jobs down the line.
If the screen or inlet opening of your sump pump is clogged, it could cause it to run less frequently and thus not be as efficient in draining the entire basement. This may indicate that the system has become overworked and needs replacing; however, you can also do some simple repairs yourself for minimal cost and effort.
Once you clean the screen or inlet opening, test your pump to make sure it’s functioning correctly. This involves placing a bucket into the pit and watching to see if it starts running; if so, you should hear it turn on and begin draining water out of your basement.
Make sure the float switch on your sump pump is functioning properly. If not, this could indicate a problem with its smooth movement or obstruction. Not only could this cause your sump pump not to operate when expected, but it may also wear down the engine of the unit, necessitating an expensive repair in the long run.
The discharge line is an essential component of your sump pump and should be cleaned at least once annually. Clogs in this line can lead to freezing in wintertime when water freezes. Furthermore, check for signs of leaks like moisture on pipes or around joints.
Clean the Discharge Pipe
Sump pumps are essential components of any drainage system, and regular upkeep is necessary to keep them running optimally. A sump pump works by collecting groundwater around your foundation and pushing it away, avoiding potential water damage to your home.
The discharge pipe is the conduit through which your sump pump releases water. It should be located outside your house, far enough from your foundation to avoid flooding. If clogged with debris, it can slow or completely stop the pump’s ability to discharge water.
To clean the discharge pipe, you’ll need a plumber’s snake and hose. Run the hose through the length of the pipe to clear away any blockages or clogs. If the blockage is further up the line, use an extended plumbing snake to extract it.
A clogged discharge pipe can also cause issues with the sump pump itself. It could prevent it from starting up automatically and even cause the float switch to malfunction.
If your sump pump won’t start after heavy rainfall, you may need to replace the filter or float switch. You have two options for doing this yourself or hiring a professional to perform the task for you.
Test the discharge pipe to ensure it’s working correctly by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and watching if your pump starts running automatically.
Finally, make sure the float switch is functioning properly. If it fails to activate when the pit is full, there could be damage or absence.
It’s wise to inspect the pit regularly and after heavy rain to make sure it can hold all of the water needed for movement. Doing this helps avoid it becoming clogged or overflowing, which could cause your pump to run constantly without functioning optimally.
When performing sump pump maintenance yourself or hiring a professional, the most critical aspect is knowing what to look for. Common issues that could cause the pump to stop working include clogged discharge pipes, blocked screens or inlet openings, and an errant float switch. If any of these are present, they should be addressed promptly in order to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Check the Electrical Connection
If your sump pump isn’t functioning properly, it could be a simple issue that can be fixed easily. However, some issues require professional assistance; if you believe your sump pump is malfunctioning, contact an experienced technician right away for assistance.
Sump pumps are used to prevent excess water from seeping into a home, before it causes structural damage. They’re typically installed in basements or crawl spaces to protect against flooding caused by groundwater runoff and surface runoff.
Some pumps run on electricity, while others rely on batteries. Both types of pumps can be susceptible to power outages, so it’s always wise to have a backup battery ready in case your primary one stops working.
Before beginning any repairs or adjustments to your sump pump, double check its electrical connection. Make sure it is separate from your home’s main circuit and that its switch or float mechanism functions correctly.
Test your outlet’s GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) to see if it trips during a surge or power outage. If so, you’ll need to reset its float and cord.
Many inspectors recommend connecting a sump pump to a GFCI for safety. These devices cut off power if they detect an issue with the circuit.
If your GFCI is set up annually, test it to make sure it’s still functioning properly. If not, you can adjust the breaker or attach a surge protector to the circuit for extra protection of both your electrical system and property.
Another critical thing to inspect is the condition of your discharge pipe. Make sure it’s free from dirt or vegetation obstructions and drains completely, as this will help protect it from freezing in wintertime which could lead to leaks or obstructions.
Clogged discharge pipes can cause the float switch of a sump pump to malfunction, as it cannot sense water levels quickly enough. A malfunctioning float switch may also cause your motor of your sump pump to grind, which is common with pedestal and submersible models but may indicate more serious issues such as a broken float arm.
Schedule a Service Call
If your sump pump is malfunctioning, it’s best to hire a professional plumber for maintenance and repair. These knowledgeable specialists can diagnose the source of the issue and recommend an appropriate solution – helping prevent more serious damage to your property while saving on future repair expenses.
When your sump pump is malfunctioning, it’s essential to schedule a service call promptly. If left unchecked, an issue with the pump could lead to water damage in your basement or other parts of the home.
According to how often you use your sump pump, it should be maintained at least once annually; however, if it disposes of washing machine water, more frequent checks should be conducted.
The maintenance process begins by taking the pump out of its pit, inspecting its power source to confirm it remains in working condition and secure, cleaning any grate, tidying screens or inlet openings, then placing the pump back into its pit. Additionally, a thorough examination of drainage pipelines should take place to guarantee they are operating optimally and clear of debris.
It’s essential to inspect the pump cover and make sure it fits securely without any holes or cracks. Doing this prevents dirt, debris and other contaminates from entering into the pit and causing issues.
Additionally, a professional plumber will inspect the float mechanism to guarantee it works correctly. A malfunctioning float can prevent your sump pump from functioning optimally and slow down its performance until it stops completely.
Professional plumbers will inspect the discharge pipe to guarantee it is diverting excess water away from your home at a safe distance. Doing this helps avoid water backing up into your basement, which could cause serious damage to both structure and contents.
Most sump pumps feature a float switch that automatically activates when water levels in the pump pit rise. Without it, your pump won’t activate, leading to an overworked machine more likely to malfunction quickly and leave you with a flooded basement.
