What to Do When Your Sump Pump Stops Working
Heavy rains often result to homeowners dealing with a sump pump that stopped working all of a sudden. Nothing is worse than looking down into your basement only to see it flooded, with your furniture destroyed, the flooring ruined, and a big mess left for you to clean. Basement flooding is not just frustrating as it only means you have to invest in repair, remediation, and replacement.
Knowing what to do when your sump pump stops working can do wonders as it can help lessen your frustration and reduce your unexpected expenses.
Check Your Power Source
Power outages could be the reason why your sump pump stopped working. Before you pull your hair out in annoyance, ensure that your pump gets enough power. Make sure the cord is properly connected to the power outlet. Inspect the circuits or fuses. Remember that even if electricity still works in your house, electrical issues can cause the sump pump to fail.
The best way to prevent flooding because of power failures is having a backup battery sump pump system. If you have an existing backup system yet your pump still doesn’t get power, check the water level of the backup system. Add distilled water if necessary. If this doesn’t work, you might need to replace your batteries. Batteries have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
Look for Debris in the Sump Pit
Jams and clogs are the most common culprits behind sump pump failure. To check for these issues, open the lid of the pump and check the pit for any debris. Remove as much debris as you can. You don’t have to be surprise if you find unusual objects there as lots of things can end up in the sump pits.
Inspect the Discharge Pipe for Leaks
It is possible to visually inspect the sump pump discharge pipe for any leaks. Search for water signs outside where the pipe exits the foundation of your house. Leaks in discharge pipe can cause water to back up into the basement.
Check for a Faulty Float
A malfunctioning or worn out float is often the reason why sump pumps stop working. Fill water into the sump pit to make the pump start by itself. If it fails to start, you may have to replace the float.
Clean the Weep Hole
You can find a weep hole in some sump pumps that can get clogged as well. This weep hole can be found between the pump and the check valve. Use a narrow object to carefully clear this hole like a toothpick. Just be careful so that you don’t break off anything into the hole.
Examine the Impeller
There is a small filter in your sump pump called the impeller. If the sump pump stops working, it could be because of a clogged impeller. Your pump will return to its normal function if you clean or replace the impeller.
Before heavy rains start pouring, make sure you check your sump pump to avoid serious problems.
Learn more about sump pumps from the basement water proofing contractors in Detroit.
