Sump Pump Repair – How to Keep Your Sump Pump in Good Working Order
Sump Pump Repair – How to Keep Your Sump Pump in Good Working Order
A sump pump is a valuable asset in any home, but it does require regular maintenance to ensure that it is working when needed. You can test it by pouring water into the pit and watching to see if the pump activates.
Check the float switch to make sure it isn't jammed or clogged, and replace it when necessary. Also, clean the float switch and drain line to prevent corrosion.
Check the Electrical Connections
A sump pump’s motor is the most expensive component of the system, so it needs to be kept in good working order. Dirt and debris can quickly ruin the motor by causing it to overheat. To prevent this, it is important to inspect the entire pump system on a regular basis. This includes the discharge pipe, power cords, float switch and inlet valve. Performing these simple inspections can save you money on repairs and keep your basement clean!
Start by unplugging the pump and opening its lid. Look for clogs in the discharge pipe and remove any obstructions that may be blocking the flow of water. Then, flush the pit with a garden hose to ensure that the sump pump is draining properly and directing the discharge water away from your home. Make sure that there is no sand, silt or gravel in the pit that could be sucked up into the pump, damaging it. It is also a good idea to install a battery backup, so that your sump pump will continue to work even after a power outage.
If the pump turns on and off frequently, or if the float switch doesn’t rise with the level of water, it may be time to replace it. You can test the float switch by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If it rises with the water, activates the pump and shuts off when the job is done, then the float switch is in good working condition.
The float switch is one of the most vulnerable parts of the sump pump, and it is often overlooked during inspections. It’s important to regularly check its function, especially after a heavy rainstorm. To do this, slowly pour water into the pit and watch for the float to rise with the water. If the float switch does not rise, it is either stuck in the “on” position or damaged and should be replaced.
It is also a good idea to plug the sump pump into a surge protector or GFCI socket, as these devices will cut power if there is an electrical problem. It’s also a good idea to have a professional perform routine maintenance on your sump pump, as this will ensure that it is functioning at its best and can protect your home from flooding and damage.
Check the Float Switch
Your sump pump has a float switch that controls when it will start to turn on and begin pumping out water. If the float gets stuck or blocked, it can cause your sump to overrun, which will eventually burn out your sump pump’s motor. Checking your sump pump’s float switch regularly is an easy way to prevent these problems and save money in the long run.
To check the float switch, start by unplugging the unit and opening its cover. Next, look to see if the float switch can move up and down freely. If it does not, gently tap the float switch on its side with a finger or screwdriver to dislodge any objects that may have jammed it into place. After you have confirmed that the float switch is free and working properly, plug the unit back in and restore power to it. Finally, pour water inside and test it to make sure that your pump is able to activate when needed.
In addition to a working float switch, it is also important that your sump pump discharge line is positioned correctly. The pipe should be angled away from your home, shed, or garage so that it does not drain back into these structures. It is also a good idea to regularly clean the discharge pipe so that it doesn’t become clogged with debris.
Another possible reason for your sump pump to stop working is a problem with the discharge valve itself. Occasionally, the arrow on the check valve can get misaligned and allow water to flow back into the pump when it is turned off.
This can overwork the sump pump and lead to a broken motor, so check it on a regular basis to prevent this from happening. If you are unable to correct the problem yourself, contact Montgomery County plumbers for help. A flooded basement can be an expensive and dangerous mess, so it is important to catch problems with your sump pump as soon as possible. If you don’t, the dampness can affect your belongings and even your home’s foundations.
Check the Impeller
A sump pump is a very valuable piece of equipment for many homeowners, especially those living in prone areas to flooding. But like any other device, these pumps are prone to breaking down. Thankfully, they aren’t complicated, making it easy to figure out what has gone wrong and fix it yourself if you know what to look for.
Often, the first sign that something is wrong with your pump is hearing strange noises. A grinding sound could indicate a broken impeller fan, while rattling sounds may mean the bearings are worn out and need replacing. Alternatively, the pump might be having trouble with its motor and needing new bearings.
Other common problems include a lack of pumping, or freezing of the pump lines. Frozen lines can cause massive water damage to property and require costly repair. You can avoid this by defrosting the pump as soon as it freezes, thawing out the lines and removing any debris that might be blocking the flow of water.
If you find that your pump is constantly cycling on and off, this is an indication of a malfunction with the float switch or wiring. You can test this by manually lifting the float switch and seeing if the pump turns on. If not, the float switch may need to be replaced, or there is an object stuck inside the sump pit preventing it from engaging with the float.
Other issues that might indicate a problem with your pump are if the pump is leaking, if the discharge line has been disconnected from the pump or if it simply isn’t working at all. This is a good time to invest in a backup sump pump to take the stress off of your main one and extend its lifetime.
Other issues that you can test for yourself, with a little help from your owner’s manual, are things like water lubrication and proper shaft clearances. If you are unsure how to check for these things, consult an expert. These are basic steps that anyone can follow, but it’s important to remember that the best way to prevent a sump pump repair from becoming necessary is with regular maintenance.
Check the Check Valve
The sump pump check valve is installed in the discharge line and prevents water that was just pumped out from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. If the pump is having trouble running smoothly and efficiently, the check valve might be leaking. Fortunately, a quick check is all you need to determine whether the problem is the pump or the check valve.
You can test the check valve by pouring some water into the sump pit and watching to see if the internal flap rises with the water. If it does, that's a sign that the check valve is working properly. If the flap does not rise, that's a sign of a problem with the float switch or impeller.
If the float switch isn't engaging or the pump is cycling in sporadic bursts, those are also signs that something's wrong with the check valve. It's likely that the water isn't making it out of the pit and that the float switch is forcing the pump to run repeatedly until it can't anymore, wearing the motor out quickly.
A check of the inlet screen is a good idea, as well. A dirty screen can clog up and prevent the float switch from engaging, so make sure it is clean and free of debris. You can also try plugging another device into the sump pump's outlet receptacle to make sure it gives off voltage. If it doesn't, that may indicate an electrical problem that could be as simple as pressing the reset button on the GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) for your home if the pump is connected to one.
Finally, it's a good idea to make sure that the discharge line from the sump pit is as short as possible so that the pump does not have to maneuver around too many angles when it is trying to empty the pit. Montgomery County plumbers can reroute the pipes leading out of your home so that they are closer to each other, which will eliminate the need for too many joints and make the pump less prone to loud, clanging noises.
Sump Pump Repair – How to Keep Your Sump Pump in Good Working Order A sump pump is a valuable asset in any home, but it does require regular maintenance to ensure that it is working when needed. You can test it by pouring water into the pit and watching to see if the pump…