You probably don't give your sump pump much thought. But if you take a minute to understand what a sump pump does, you know it's about as important as your furnace and roof.
After all, a flooded basement is highly undesirable for any homeowner. So, when sump pump issues arise, it can lead to big problems for your basement.
It's wise to be aware of sump pump issues so you can work to avoid them. Read on to learn about the six most common sump pump issues that might show up in your home.
1. Clogged Sump Pump
It's not uncommon for the sump pump pit to get clogged and dirty over time, especially if it doesn't have a cover. Dirt and debris can fall into the sump pump pit, causing it to clog.
Liquid waste might back up into the pit of the sump pump too.
For older sump pumps, it's not uncommon for silt to accumulate in the bottom of the sump pump pit.
2. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Lines
A sump pump's job is to remove excess water. The pump gets rid of the excess water through a discharge line.
Two possible problems can occur with the discharge lines. If you live in a cold climate, they can freeze and prevent the discharge from happening.
The discharge lines can also get clogged. One way to avoid this is to have your sump pump cleaned regularly. This is especially important if you are prone to regular flooding.
3. Lost Power
Your sump pump needs water to work. If you have a storm and lose power, your sump pump can fail. If there's a storm, it's probably the worst time for a sump pump failure.
Your sump pump might trip a breaker in a storm too. This means it won't be working when you need it.
If you're going to be away from home, have someone watching your house. If you have a storm, they should be checking to make sure the sump pump maintains power.
You can also set up most sump pumps with a battery backup system.
4. Sump Pump Running Continuously
There is any number of reasons your sump pump might be running continuously. Whether it's running because of water or some other malfunction, running continuously can cause unnecessary wear on the pump.
If you hear the sump pump running continuously when it doesn't make sense for it to be working that hard, you need to get it checked out right away.
5. Overwhelmed with Water
One of the most common sump pump problems happens when the sump pump is attempting to do its job. Some water events are just too significant for the sump pump to handle.
If your sump pump is not the correct size for your home, it can quickly get overwhelmed and fail.
6. Dislodged Switches
It's essential to understand how a sump pump works. A sump pump relies on the switch and float arm to turn on when the pump needs to activate.
If any of these parts gets bumped or dislodged, the float won't work, and the sump pump won't turn on.
Be Aware of These Sump Pump Problems
If you've ever lived through a flooded basement in your home, you know how vital your sump pump is to keep this space dry.
If you need sump pump repairs or cleaning, we can help. Avoid the mess that can happen when your sump pump is clogged. Contact us today to arrange a sump pump cleaning.