What should you look for if your sump pump fails?
Sump pumps are an important element of making our homes safe and comfortable for many people. Even the best-maintained sump pump might malfunction. It might be a stressful scenario if you don’t know what to look for.
Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you! Continue reading to learn about typical sump pump issues and how to solve them.
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If your Sump Pump has no lid, dirt will accumulate and cause it to clog over time. This can reduce its efficiency or cause it to cease operating entirely.
Over time, dirt accumulates on the mechanical parts.
With dirt, the float switch that switches the pump on and off might clog or freeze. Switches can tangle, jam, and become entangled with the system. Or it will become trapped, causing the sump to flow continuously!
You should get your sump examined on a regular basis to ensure that it is clean. However, if you detect any of these, call someone in to investigate. They will be able to inform you if it is repairable or needs replacing.
Make sure your pump is covered with a lid. This prevents trash and grime from entering and should make it safer. It also prevents water from evaporating back into the basement.
The Smell of Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps feature a drain trap that collects and stores water. This is done to prevent gas and sewage from backing up and invading your home. The unpleasant odours are released as the water in the trap evaporates. It’s common in hot, dry weather.
To avoid it, keep water in the trap at all times. You shouldn’t have those nasty odours escaping out as long as the water level covers drain lines and pipes.
To disinfect your drain, you may also apply a bleach solution. Pour it in high enough to activate the float switch. You may also brush the trap basin’s sides to remove and drain any built-up filth.
Your sump pump installation was inadequate
Sump pump installation is an art form in and of itself. It must be done appropriately. The manufacturer’s instructions are crucial, and you must strictly adhere to them. Otherwise, you risk major water damage later on.
Most manufacturers propose or require the installation of a check valve on the discharge line. Otherwise, there may be a back-flow of water, forcing the pump impeller to spin in the other direction. This might cause the motor shaft to unscrew. If this happens, you’ll hear the motor but not see the water running.
Most manufacturers also need a small air relief hole in the discharge line. This is usually found between the check valve and the pump.
Its purpose is to keep the pump from having to deal with high air pressure in the output line. The discharge pipe must also meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Finally, avoid burying the hole with gravel or dirt. This encourages debris to enter the pump and clog it. As seen above, the consequences reduce or completely stop the pump’s activity.
It’s a major project that shouldn’t be attempted by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Make certain that your sump pump’s installation was done correctly. If not, you may need to have it reinstalled by a professional. Get the help of an after hours plumber or emergency plumber like The Brisbane Plumbers. You don’t want to wait any longer to get your sump pump fixed in case the weather turns.
The Sump Pump Keeps Losing Electricity
Your sump pump will be powered by electricity. They may be affected by power outages. Unfortunately, storms, power outages, and flooding frequently coexist. Furthermore, if your breaker trips, it will not activate.
For this circumstance, a battery backup generator is a sensible purchase. If your electricity goes out, you may acquire a gel pack system that will run your generator for several days.
It’s ideal if you want to get out of town before a storm hits. You don’t want to go back to a massive flood and a pump that never works.
Your Sump Pump is Always Running
It’s a problem if your pump runs continuously or excessively, especially if it’s out of season or in bad weather. And it’s something you should check into right immediately. Otherwise, your pump may burn out.
There could be several reasons for this. Stuck switches are the most prevalent of these. This is especially frequent in lower-cost models. The float switch becomes tangled or blocked in the system. Vibrations from the pump might cause it to lean on the edge of the pit, preventing it from working.
A damaged or missing check valve is another possible problem. Where the sump pump is situated below grade, the discharge line will begin angled upward. It is directing water up and away from the exit point. When it pitches down, gravity pulls it away from your house.
The check valve prevents any water from returning to the pit as it passes along the line’s upward course. A missing or damaged valve might cause 1/3 – 2/3 of that water to flow back into the pit. This means your pump will have to work harder to get the same amount of water back out.
Sump Pump Issues Solved
That’s all there is to it! You know what to look for now that you’re aware of the most prevalent sump pump issues.
Professional maintenance inspections can help keep these concerns at bay. Or it will assist you in detecting the significant ones early enough that they may not be as problematic (or pricey) in the end. It is critical to maintain your sump pump so that you are not left high and dry when you need it the most.