Sump pumps are essential appliances that protect your home from being submerged by groundwater during storms or other weather-related events.
Groundwater diversion systems work by redirecting groundwater away from your property and into a pond or well. However, regular maintenance is necessary in order to keep them functioning optimally.
Clogged Drainage Pipes
Your sump pump is an integral component of your basement waterproofing system. It removes groundwater around your foundation and empties it away from the home or into a municipal storm pipe.
A clogged drainage pipe can make your sump pump ineffective and even cause overflow, leading to basement flooding.
Instead of trying to solve the problem on your own, contact a plumbing company for professional clogged drain cleaning and repair services.
Avoid clogged drainage pipes by being mindful of what goes down the sink, toilet and garbage disposal. Additionally, use a plunger instead of chemicals to clear blockages.
Clogged Inlet Filter
Debris and dirt that get into the inlet filter of your sump pump could prevent it from functioning correctly, ultimately decreasing water flow in and out of your home’s basement.
If your home has a sump pump installed, it is essential to clean the filter as instructed by the manufacturer. Doing this can help avoid future failure of the unit and extend its lifespan.
Your sump pump should be cleaned every three months, or more frequently if there is a lot of groundwater around your area. Furthermore, inspect the float switch and impeller to see if any components are damaged or need replacing.
Damaged Motor
Your sump pump’s motor is an essential piece of machinery, so when it’s damaged you must get it repaired or replaced promptly. In case a storm strikes while your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly during this period, basement flooding could occur.
You should inspect your motor for any signs of damage, such as unusual noises or rattling sounds. These could indicate an issue with either an impeller or damaged motor.
Another telltale sign that your pump may need replacing is rust. This could be from corrosion on the battery terminals or from bacteria, commonly referred to as “Iron Bacteria.”
Rust can make it harder for the motor to push water through pipes, so be sure to replace it as soon as you notice any signs of corrosion.
Damaged Float Switch
The float switch is a device inside your sump pump that activates when water levels rise. It uses a round float to detect changes in water depth within the pit and instruct the pump to pump away.
If the float switch in your basement fails, flooding could occur. Potential causes include obstructions in the sump pit or a stuck float between its pump and wall.
To replace a float switch on a sump pump, first remove the old one from its mounting. Afterward, open up the housing of the switch and unplug any electrical wiring connected to it. Finally, glue in your new switch using waterproof glue. Finally, assemble everything back together again and install in your sump pump.
Jammed Impeller
A jammed impeller can cause a sump pump to operate inefficiently. The impeller is an electric fan that moves water from the inlet filter into the pump and out the discharge pipe.
To determine if the impeller is jammed, you need to remove the pump and inspect its insides. This can be done by unplugging the unit and taking out its bottom screen.
A jammed impeller may be due to debris that has made its way past the pump’s screen. This could include rust, which clogs the pump, or bacteria feeding off iron in water. Alternatively, an electrical component like a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) might have flipped, leading to inefficient running of the pump and its need for repairs or replacement.
