Is your sump pump not working? The issue is most likely related to power or to mechanical failure. Read on for information on the most common problems users have with their sump pumps.
5. Tests To Run If Sump Pump Not working
6. Why You Should Have a Backup Battery
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and water softener industry; and we would love to share our expertise with you. If you have any questions about the operation of your sump pump, or any other plumbing concerns, get in touch and we’d love to help.
Sump Pump Not Working? Here is Why & How to Fix It
There are several reasons why your sump pump may not be working. Here are some of the most common ones and the steps to fix them.
Problem 1: Sump Pump Clogs
There are several spots where clogs could cause your sump pump to fail. Take the following steps to make sure that your sump pump is free from any clogs.
Step 1: Locate the exit pipe that drains the water from your sump pump to the outside of your home.
Step 2: Make sure that the pipe is positioned so that it is directing the water away from your home's foundation. If it is not, move it so that the exiting water flows out and not back into your home.
Step 3: Take a look inside the drain to ensure that it is free from any dirt or debris clogging it up.
Step 4: Take a look at the sump pump itself. Sump pumps are usually installed in your basement or crawlspace close to the walls of your foundation.
Check to ensure that there is no debris in or around the pit of your sump pump. If there is, remove it.
Take a look at your sump pump's filter to see if it is clogged. If it is, then clean it off.
Sump pump not working: locate the drain outside your home and make sure it isn’t clogged - Source: AMRE Supply
Problem 2: Sump Pump Overheating
Your sump pump will generate a lot of heat. If the heat is easily dispersed, then your system will last longer. If your sump pump system can be submerged into the water around it, this will cool down your system and disperse the excess heat.
It is also important to have the right-sized pit around your sump pump. If your pit is too large and too deep, your pump will remove more water than it needs to.
On the other hand, if the pit is too small, your pump will have to come on and off more often, thus wearing it out sooner.
If your motor overheats, it could burn out and will need replacing.
The following video shows the steps for replacing a sump pump. Replacing a sump pump is probably best left to a professional to make sure that it is done properly.
Sump pump not working: get a professional to replace it
Problem 3: Float Switch Is Stuck
As your sump pump is running, it vibrates and these vibrations can cause it to move around the sump pit.
This movement could cause your float switch to get pushed up against the size of the pit, thus keeping it in the "off" position. If this happens, your sump pump won't turn on.
It is a good idea to check the positioning of your sump pump from time to time to make sure that it is in the correct position and has not become lodged against one of the walls of your pit.
Problem 4: Sump Pump Has No Power
If your sump pump has no power, check the following:
Make sure that it is securely plugged into your power outlet and that it wasn't accidentally unplugged.
Make sure that the breaker for your sump pump hasn't been switched off
Make sure that your battery backup hasn't run out of power.
If you have checked all of the above and your sump pump still isn’t working, contact a professional to take a look at it.
You don’t want to lose power to your sump pump during a storm
Tests to run if Sump Pump Not working
A sump pump is a very useful device installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space, that removes excess water around the foundation of your property and pumps it away.
A functioning sump pump is very important in keeping your home safe from water damage, especially when you experience heavy rainfall from a storm or if your land is overly wet.
Learn how a sump pump works
It is important to make sure that your sump pump is working properly at all times so that you can avoid water damage to your property.
For this reason, you should periodically test it to make sure that it is functioning well and will be working when you really need it.
You can quickly and easily perform a test on your sump pump by performing either of the following methods:
Testing Method 1 - Sump pumps with two electrical cords
This type of sump pump has a pump cord and a floating cord. Trace each cord back to the electrical outlet and unplug them both. At the other end, the pump cord will be plugged into the back of the float cord. Pull the two cords apart here as well.
Plug only the pump cord back into the electrical outlet. If you hear a humming sound, then you know that your sump pump is still working. Finish by plugging both cords back as they were, to begin with.
Sump pump not working: You should periodically test it - Source: Atlantic Drain
Testing Method 2 - Sump pumps with one electrical cord
Slowly pour about 20 litres of water into your sump pump pit until the float lifts up. Your pump should start up and begin pumping water from the pit.
Once the water has been removed, your pump should shut off. Repeat this process to make sure that it is working properly.
If you can't pour water into your pit, you can try lifting up the float to make sure that the pump comes on. However, make sure that you only do this for a few seconds so that you don't damage your motor.
If your pump does not function properly, you should have it serviced or replaced.
Sump Pump Not Working? Why You Should Have a Backup Battery
Flooding in your basement can cause a lot of damage. To prevent this from happening to you, it is a good idea to have a backup battery system in place for your sump pump.
If you lose power, a backup battery system will still be able to power your sump pump so that you don't get flooding while your power is out.
Power outages often happen during storms. You want to have a working sump pump, especially during a storm when you will be experiencing heavy rainfall.
A backup battery system will also keep your sump pump running if your breaker trips and you are unaware of it.
Installing a battery system will give you peace of mind and it is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the high cost of repairing damages due to flooding.
WaterSmart Can Assist You with All of Your Plumbing Needs
Not only does WaterSmart offer an effective sewer inspection service, but we are also a full-service plumbing company. Our services include but are not limited to:
Kitchens/Bathrooms: new plumbing and renovations
Toilet & Taps: installations and repairs
Clogged or Slow Moving Drains: leaks and repairs
Countertops: pre and post installations
Dishwashers: installations
Tankless Hot Water Heater & Sump Pump: repairs and installations
Backflow Devices: testing and installation
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