Sump pumps are mechanical devices that collect and remove water from basements. They’re especially helpful in areas prone to heavy rainfall or seasonal snowmelt.
It is essential to select a sump pump with sufficient horsepower for your home’s requirements. Underestimating its power can cause it to cycle too frequently, decreasing its lifespan significantly.
Power Failure
A sump pump is an essential piece of equipment for any basement. It removes water from the area, helping to avoid flooding and structural damage to your home.
To guarantee your sump pump is functioning optimally, periodically test it. Pouring a bucket of water into the pit will confirm its functionality; additionally, clean out any debris or dirt in the pit that might be hindering its efficiency.
Another excellent idea is installing a battery backup system, which can keep your basement dry even during an outage. Depending on the size of the battery, this type of backup may keep your sump pump running for up to 8 hours or more.
Power outages are common due to a variety of reasons. Lightning, wind and ice storms can all cause power outages.
In some areas of the US, hurricanes or tornadoes can also cause power outages. If this happens to your home, you might need to call in professionals for help in restoring electricity before it becomes too damaged.
Power outages can be caused by either faulty wiring or a circuit breaker that trips. To avoid such an emergency, have a professional inspect your home’s main electrical panel for any loose connections or tripped breakers.
A common issue during a power outage is that your sump pump won’t run. To address this, you can opt to hook up a generator to your sump pump which will provide power until you restore power to the machine.
Sump pumps come in many varieties, so it’s wise to consult an expert for the best fit for your home. A qualified technician can suggest the most efficient system and answer any queries you might have about the product.
Stuck Switch
A malfunctioning switch in a sump pump can cause it to run continuously or heat up, potentially leading to flooding your basement. To avoid this outcome, install an additional backup sump pump either in the basement or another part of your house for added peace of mind.
Your sump pump’s float switch monitors the water level in your pit and automatically turns on the pump when it reaches a certain height. It does this by using a ball that rises and falls to indicate water depth, then switches to an open position when too high.
If your float switch is malfunctioning, it could be due to something getting caught in the sump pit or debris in the basement lining. It could also be that the float switch was installed incorrectly.
Fixing a stuck float switch can be done by unplugging its power source and plugging it into an electrical outlet. Alternatively, adding an external float switch with a piggyback plug to bypass the original one can save time and money on repairs since this new switch will be less likely to become jammed.
Repairs for a float switch in a sump pump range from $75 to $125, depending on the model and location. You can resolve this problem by repositioning the switch or substituting it with another model.
Poor maintenance or using a float switch that is unsuited for the system can cause float switch problems, as can using one that is unsuited or corrosion. Furthermore, these switches have the potential of getting caught on pipes, wires or buried pipes inside your sump pit.
Tethered float switches often get stuck on the side walls of a pit, causing the pump to drain constantly. This is also possible with vertical float switches as well, so be sure to inspect your basement area for stuck tethered float switches before a storm.
Sump pumps can be expensive, so it is essential to maintain and replace worn parts as needed. If you don’t feel confident performing maintenance yourself, hiring a plumber or specialist for repairs is recommended; on average, professional repair costs range between $150 and $500.
Low Water Level
If the water level in your sump pump appears to be dropping, it could indicate an issue with the unit. To avoid costly flood or water damage, contact an expert who can inspect the system and identify what’s causing it to work less efficiently.
One way to diagnose a clogged pump is by measuring how much water is rising in the pit each minute. This will tell you how much capacity your pump requires to handle extra water being removed from the system.
You can measure the “head pressure” (height of water at which your sump pump can remove more water) by placing a yardstick in the pit and watching it rise over time. The higher this number is, the better your pump’s performance will be.
Another option is installing a backup sump pump, which sits above the primary one and can activate when it malfunctions. This will eliminate any water that accumulates due to an inadequate primary pump.
Some sump pumps come with a back-up battery, which will provide power in case of an electrical outage. This is especially crucial if you’re planning to be away and want to ensure there’s no flood when you return.
Alternately, you can use a sump pump that draws power from your home’s public water supply. While these aren’t as energy-efficient as regular ones, they will help prevent flooding in your basement.
To prevent this issue, ensure your sump pump discharge pipe is placed at least 4 feet away from the foundation of your home. Doing this will guarantee that water doesn’t drain along with it and cause ground settlement or attract insects to your residence.
Finally, make sure to regularly clean out your sump pump to prevent debris from clogging it up. Dirt and leaves can obstruct water flow and lead to flooding, so check on it frequently and clear away any obstructions that might have formed.
Damaged Pump
If your sump pump is frequently clogged or experiencing water issues, it might be time for a replacement. On average, pumps last 10 years before breaking down.
In addition to flooding your basement or other areas of the home, a broken or damaged sump pump can be costly to fix. Furthermore, it could encourage mold growth in those same areas of the house that were previously dry.
Preventing this type of damage by hiring an experienced professional to inspect and repair your sump pump is the best course of action. They will be able to tell you whether or not it’s worth repairing, or if a new one is necessary.
There can be several reasons for the malfunctioning of your sump pump, but most issues can be remedied with minimal effort on your part.
First, ensure the pump is receiving power. This could be due to an issue with wiring or a defective fuse or breaker.
Another possibility is that the float switch on your pump may be stuck. This problem is fairly common among cheaper models and may prevent the pump from working properly.
Therefore, regular cleaning of the pit and float switch is necessary. Furthermore, keeping the discharge pipe free of debris helps ensure proper functioning.
Once the float switch is reset, inspect the impeller for any clogs. To do this, unplug the pump and take off its screen at the bottom.
If the sump pump is running but not removing any water, it could be due to a broken check valve, blocked impeller, or leaky discharge line. In cold weather, these discharge lines may freeze and become clogged with debris; this will cause the pump to run constantly even though no liquid is present.
The primary cause of pump failure is that it cannot handle the amount of water accumulating in its pit. This is most common during heavy downpours or flash floods, and low quality pumps will never be able to withstand such severe conditions.
