By Nate Bash
Sump pumps are an essential component of a water management system. If they’re properly functioning, they’ll shield you against basement flooding and other associated water problems. However, when they fail, they may plunge you into flooding problems.
Fortunately, not every pump problems need complex repairs by professional technicians. A few DIY steps may help you get your pump up and running. That’s why professionals at PumpBiz say it’s vital for everyone to know sump pump problems to help them take the appropriate action.
Causes Of Sump Pump Failures
These pumps are mechanical devices that may be prone to malfunction after operating for some time. When a power failure occurs, the pump may also fail. The failure may be worse if your pump is cheaply built and poorly designed or if it’s improperly installed. The average sump pump needs to last for about ten years before you replace it.
Here are some issues that may lead to a sump pump failure:
- Capacity Insufficiencies
Sump pumps come in a variety of sizes and specific capacities. If it fails, though it appears to be working, it may be because it cannot handle excess water. Therefore, if you’re living in a home located in a region prone to flooding, you need a large sump pump that can work for a long time and handle a large amount of water.
That way, you’ll avoid experiencing emergencies that come because of overloading. Your plumber can also advise on the best sump pump that’s suitable for your needs.
- Power Problems
Power failure is the main culprit of sump pump malfunction. Also, it may not be easy to know whether your sump pump is receiving power unless you test it periodically. If you notice the pump not activating as it should confirm that it’s plugged in and its code is in good condition.
Furthermore, you also need to check the outlet and confirm whether it’s connected to the Ground Fault Circuit (GFI) that inhibits popping. If it’s not working, reset the red button. You also need to remember that if your home’s experiencing a blackout, the sump pump won’t be powered. Therefore, it would be best to install an emergency batter that’ll enable the pump to operate in case of a power outage.
- Clogs
Like any other plumbing system and pipe in your home, sump pump drain lines can also be clogged. If you notice that the pump isn’t discharging water effectively, check the outlet pipe outside your home for blockages. You can minimize clogs by often cleaning debris away from the outlet area or by installing a grille to shield debris from the pipes while allowing water to flow into the pipe.
In some cases, the sump pit may also be clogged with debris and affect the pump’s ability to collect water and discharge it through the outlet pipe. Inspecting your pit regularly and cleaning any debris can help to keep the sump pump and its pipes clear of dirt.
Bottom Line
Troubleshooting a sump pump isn’t difficult if you know what to look at. Sump pumps are essential components of any home and need to be thoroughly maintained to function effectively. Knowing these problems can help you to find countermeasures quickly.
