June 29, 2022
A sump pump protects your home from flooding and water damage. Sump pump failure can lead to a flooded basement, mold growth and damage. This is why it’s important to make sure your sump pump is working correctly and take the proper steps to protect your home if it fails.
Why Has Your Sump Pump Stopped Working?
Understanding the potential causes of sump pump failure can help you troubleshoot the issue and determine the best way to get your pump back up and running. Explore sump pump issues and solutions below:
Power Failure
If your sump pump isn’t receiving power, it could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, an unplugged pump or a power outage in your area.
To resolve this issue, check your circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers. You should also verify that your sump pump is securely plugged into a functioning outlet. Consider installing a battery backup system to ensure your sump pump continues to operate even during an outage.
Float Switch Issues
If the float switch, which detects water and controls the sump pump, becomes stuck, it won’t be able to rise and activate the machine when the water level rises.
To address this problem, check that the float switch can move freely. If it’s hitting the side of the sump pit, adjust its position to allow for proper movement. If the float switch appears damaged or isn’t functioning properly after changing its position, you should replace it to prevent sump pump failure.
Clogging
If your sump pump isn’t working, it may be clogged and unable to effectively move water out of your basement. Clogging can happen due to debris accumulating on the sump pump’s intake screen or impeller. The discharge pipe can also freeze or become blocked by ice in cold weather.
To unclog your pump, unplug it and remove it from the sump pit. Clean the discharge pipe, intake screen and impeller, removing any debris, ice, snow or buildup hindering the pump’s performance. You should also insulate the discharge pipe and ensure the outlet is free of debris and snow to prevent future freezing.
Overwhelmed Sump Pump
If your sump pump has stopped working, it may not be powerful enough to handle the volume of water entering the sump pit. Your pump may be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall or if your home has a high water table.
If your sump pump is consistently overwhelmed, consider upgrading to a pump with a higher pumping capacity or installing a second pump to handle the excess water. Additionally, if water is entering your basement or sump pit too quickly, it may be a sign that you need to improve your drainage system.
Improper Installation
Since a sump pump has multiple parts, even the smallest installation errors can cause complications over time. Improper installation can include placing the pump on an uneven surface, incorrect connection to the discharge line or failure to create a proper basin for the pump.
To ensure your sump pump is installed correctly, have a professional plumber inspect the installation and make any necessary corrections.
How to Fix a Sump Pump
If your sump pump isn’t working and your basement is flooded, make sure you shut off any electricity to the area before walking or touching wet surfaces. Once you know your basement floor is safe to walk on, you can take steps toward determining why your sump pump is broken, which can help you fix it appropriately.
First, try to reset your sump pump system. If you’re not sure how to reset a sump pump, you only need to unplug it and wait a few seconds before plugging it back in. If that does not work, you can do some sump pump troubleshooting to determine why it’s not working with the following steps:
1. Check the Power Source
Feel your sump pump for vibrations to check if it has power. If there are no vibrations, the pump may be turned off or disconnected from power. Even if a power outage hasn’t occurred, you may need to address electrical problems causing your pump to fail by examining the circuits or fuses.
2. Examine the Float and Float Switch
A float switch moves up and down to activate and deactivate the sump pump’s functioning. It’s possible for a float switch to become lodged in the side of the pump or against other parts of the pump. Check your sump pump’s float switch to make sure it has enough range of motion to work properly.
Your sump pump’s float can also malfunction or wear out over time, so it’s essential to check if it’s working after making sure it’s not stuck. To check if it’s working properly, fill the sump pit with water and observe if the pump operates. If it does not operate on its own, your machine may need a new float.
3. Look for Blockages and Leaks
If your sump pump is on and operating, but the water level is not going down, there may be a blockage. Lift the pump lid and remove any foreign objects you find. Next, check to see if the drain pipes are clogged. If you find any debris, you can remove it and check if the pump resumes its proper functioning.
Your sump pump’s weep hole and impeller can also become clogged. If your pump has a weep hole, it will be located between the pump and the check valve. Clear the hole with a toothpick or another narrow object, but make sure not to break any pieces off into the hole.
Your sump pump’s impeller is a small filter that can become clogged and cause the machine to stop working. To fix this complication, you will need to replace or clean the impeller.
Examine your sump pump’s discharge pipe for any leaks because leaks can also cause water to back up in your basement. Check the spot where the discharge pipe exits your house’s foundation for signs of water.
4. Assess the Condition of Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump’s check valve prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit after being discharged. If the check valve isn’t functioning properly, it can cause sump pump failure. Make sure the check valve is installed correctly, with the arrow pointing toward water flow.
If your sump pump is struggling to keep up with the volume of water entering it or you have tried all the above fixes, it may be time for an upgrade. Consider getting a higher-capacity sump pump and have a professional install it to avoid issues due to improper installation.
How to Prevent Sump Pump Failure
To keep your sump pump working properly in the future, take the following preventive measures:
- Perform regular maintenance: Routine sump pump maintenance ensures it remains in good working condition. Regularly clean the pump, its components and the intake screen to remove debris, preventing buildup and making sure the float switch can move freely.
- Install a backup power source: Power outages can prevent your sump pump from functioning. To prevent this, install a battery backup system or a generator to ensure your pump operates even during a power failure.
- Address drainage issues: Poor drainage around your home’s foundation can put excessive strain on your sump pump. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and directing water away from your foundation.
- Monitor your sump pump: Routinely check on your sump pump, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt. Look for signs of unusual noises, vibrations or leaks, which may indicate a problem. Addressing issues early can prevent more serious damage and costly repairs.
- Invest in high-quality components: When replacing your sump pump or its components, choose high-quality, durable products. A reliable, well-constructed sump pump may cost more initially, but it can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Repair or Replace Your Sump Pump with the Help of a Professional
Make sure your sump pump operates properly to protect your home from flooding, water damage and mold. Prevent your sump pump from malfunctioning by checking on it regularly and replacing it when you need to. Enduric Plumbing Services will install a new sump pump in your home quickly and efficiently.
The technicians at Enduric Plumbing will offer quality service backed by years of experience. We offer friendly and professional service in the North Carolina Triad. Contact us to learn more about how we can professionally install or repair a sump pump in your home.