If your sump pump is malfunctioning, you should replace it promptly. A malfunctioning pump could lead to serious damage such as a flooded basement.
A new pump will work better and last longer, so if yours is over five years old, it may be time for a replacement.
Installation
If your basement contains a sump pump, it’s essential that it works correctly and does not cause any harm to your house. This can be accomplished by hiring an expert installer and keeping up with maintenance.
A sump pump is an integral component of your plumbing system that removes excess moisture and protects your home from flood damage. If it’s not functioning optimally, consider replacing it with a new one.
Sump pumps come in various types, such as pedestal pumps, submersible pumps and ejector pumps. Which type you select depends on the requirements of your house.
The most popular type is the pedestal pump, which rests atop a pedestal and extends into a sump pit. This style is often employed in homes located in areas with poor water drainage.
To determine the appropriate size for your sump pump, you must determine where water accumulates in your basement. This step is crucial as it helps determine how much room you need for both the pump and discharge pipe installation.
Once you know the size of your sump pump, installation can begin. First, cut a hole in the ground large enough for both the sump basin and piping to fit, as well as possibly adding space for the float switch that controls the pump.
Next, you must connect the pump to your discharge pipe using PVC piping.
Before connecting the discharge pipe, be sure to install a check valve to prevent water from returning into your basement. Doing this can help extend the life of your sump pump if the outlet pipe is long or rises above its volume in the pit.
It’s wise to add a battery backup to your pump as well. Doing so ensures you can still use it in case of power outage or burnout of the main pump.
Replacement Parts
Sump pumps are essential tools to protect your home from water damage and save you money on homeowners insurance premiums. Not only do they prevent basement flooding, but they can also prevent other kinds of water damage such as mold growth.
However, just like any other appliance, a sump pump can malfunction due to mechanical or installation issues or simply because they’re nearing their end of service.
If your sump pump is malfunctioning, it’s essential to replace it promptly to avoid further damage. Furthermore, scheduling regular maintenance checks can help guarantee that your sump pump is operating optimally and effectively.
Start by assessing any symptoms your pump may be displaying. Common indications include a pump that won’t start or isn’t run correctly, clogged discharge pipes with debris, and damaged float switches.
Our plumbing professionals will inspect your sump pump to diagnose the problem. They’ll check the lid to make sure it’s open, the inlet screen to confirm it’s clear, and discharge pipe for any blockages. If necessary, our plumbing specialists can remove these obstructions and replace all piping so your pump functions optimally once again.
Another potential indicator that your pump may not be functioning optimally is the presence of rust or brown matter on the inside of the sump pump. This could be caused by corroded battery terminals or bacteria growth.
Under extreme conditions, a gel-like substance may form and clog the discharge pipe of your sump pump, preventing it from running. To avoid this from occurring, contact a professional plumber immediately so your sump pump can be fixed promptly and effectively.
Sump pumps come in two primary varieties: pedestal and submersible. The former sits above a pit for easy service and testing while the latter is buried underground, making it much quieter to run. A professional plumber can help you decide which option works best for your requirements.
Troubleshooting
If your sump pump is not functioning properly, you must first troubleshoot it to determine whether you should replace or repair it. The most common issue with a sump pump is that it’s not receiving power; thus, make sure it is plugged in securely and that its circuit breaker hasn’t tripped yet.
Some issues with a sump pump can be handled by yourself, but others require the expertise of an experienced plumber. For instance, loud noises when running may indicate that the motor has overheated.
Another potential issue is a malfunctioning check valve. If the water coming from your sump pit is leaking into the intake pipe, then this could indicate that the check valve may be stuck or broken. You can test this by pouring water into the pit and watching how quickly the check valve opens to let out water.
You can check if your float switch is functioning by moving it up and down to see if it activates. If not, then debris might have built up inside of it; cleaning and trying again should help resolve the issue.
If the float switch is working properly, it should rise and signal your pump to turn on. However, if not, then there could be a problem with its function and require professional replacement by an experienced electrician.
When your sump pump system fails, the float switch should turn on automatically when the level in the pit drops enough for it to operate. If it won’t turn on, have a professional repair it or replace the entire system altogether.
Furthermore, a clogged discharge line can prevent the pump from draining water from the basin. If this pipe becomes blocked with dirt, sludge, or other particles, it could eventually stop working altogether.
Clogged pumps can be extremely dangerous and even damage the motor inside them. To protect yourself from this risk, have your sump pump inspected twice annually: before spring and fall seasons.
Repairs
Sump pumps are essential components of your home’s plumbing system. They help remove water from basements before it causes harm, and can serve as a backup to your main water pump if the power goes out in your area.
Your sump pump, depending on its model, requires maintenance or replacement periodically. Doing this helps keep your basement dry and prevents expensive repairs in the future.
One essential component is the impeller, a large cylinder that rotates and draws water from the pit to its discharge pipe. If this clogged or damaged impeller becomes, you won’t be able to function correctly; thus, replacing it will be necessary.
Another essential part is the check valve, which allows air to escape from the sump pit and keeps the discharge pipe from overflowing. You should inspect these components regularly and replace them as necessary.
Your sump pump should also have a float switch that activates the pump when water levels in the pit reach a certain height. This float typically attaches to the side of the pump.
Your float switch should be easily visible by looking on the side of the pump, near where the motor is located. However, if you can’t locate it yourself, a professional may need to help.
If your float switch is stuck in the on position, it could be because the wiring to it has become tangled and needs untangling. This requires professional plumbing services from a licensed plumber.
Other common causes of a malfunctioning float switch include clogged water lines or worn-out switches. Although you can try to resolve these problems on your own, seeking professional assistance would be wiser in such instances.
Loud noises coming from your sump pump’s pit may indicate that its motor is starting to fail. These sounds can range from a dull rumbling sound to ratcheting or screeching.
A loud pump could indicate damage to its internal components, so it’s best to have an experienced plumber inspect the machine. They’ll determine if repairs are necessary or if you should invest in a new sump pump.
