Tag Archives: is my sump pump broken

Jan '25

How to Identify Sump Pump Problems Before They Become Serious

Sump pump problems, like other plumbing issues in your home, are almost unavoidable. But unlike other plumbing issues, Bigham and Associates says, a failed sump pump, if not detected on time, will almost always result in a flooding disaster in your home.

Why is that?

Since sump pumps run themselves, most homeowners don’t see the need to inspect the sump pump to know its condition. As a result, when their sump pump malfunctions, homeowners don’t know that the system is out of order.

This is a major cause of basement flooding in homes where there is a sump pump installed. The mere presence of a sump pump in a home does not guarantee that the house will always be protected from basement flooding.

To keep your home safe from basement flooding, your sump pump must be in good condition at all times. How do you ensure that? You must know the early warning signs that your sump pump is in trouble. We explain those warning signs below.

Early warning signs that your sump pump needs urgent attention

The sump pump makes strange noises

Your sump pump will make some noise whenever it is working; a low humming sound that doesn’t cause discomfort to the people inside the home. If your sump pump starts to make loud noises, there is a problem. The noise could be due to a broken or worn impeller. It could also be because of a damaged motor. If you have this problem, you should get a plumber to repair or replace the sump pump.

The sump pump vibrates excessively

The impeller is a propeller-like device inside the pump that allows it to suck water out of the basin. If there is a problem with the impeller, your sump pump will vibrate excessively or even wobble and bum around every time it is on if this problem is not fixed at once your sump pump will be damaged beyond repair.

The sump pump is rusty

Although sump pumps are constantly exposed to water, this is not the primary reason why a sump pump rusts. Bacteria and corroded batteries are the main reasons why the sump pump may start to rust. Interactions between the iron and bacteria inside water can lead the sump pump to become discolored and eventually rust unless the appliance is properly maintained.

Sump pump cycles frequently

This is mostly an installation problem; perhaps the sump basin is too small for the volume of water entering the basement. Consequently, the sump pit fills up too quickly, forcing your sump pump to power on and off at very short intervals. Frequent on/off cycling will overwork your sump pump and this can eventually cause the motor to fail.

The sump pump doesn’t switch off

The two possible reasons why a sump pump runs for long periods or doesn’t switch off at all are; that the sump pump is not putting out enough power or the float switch is stuck. If the sump is too small for the amount of water it has to pump or the distance it has to pump the water is too long, the sump pump will run for longer periods. If the float switch is jammed the sump pump will not power off.

The sump pump is used infrequently

This problem is not caused by the sump pump. It is a common issue in areas with very long spells of dry weather. If your sump pump goes a long time without working, the risk of all kinds of sump pump issues increases. Blockages in the discharge line or sump pump itself are a common problem in these situations. Mechanical and electrical problems can also happen.

The sump pump doesn’t switch on

This is the ultimate sump pump issue because it deprives your home of the sump pump’s service. Sump pump failure may be due to a burnt motor, wiring issues, or any of the above-mentioned problems. But one of the most common reasons why a sump pump fails is a power outage during a rainstorm or other emergency situations.

To protect your home from these problems, the first step is to test your sump pump regularly. Testing a sump pump is easy; get a five-gallon bucket, fill it with water, and empty it into the sump basin. If the sump pump is okay, it should power up and power off after the water inside the pit has been removed. Do this at least four times a year.

Secondly, you should think of installing a backup battery sump pump in your home. A backup sump pump will stand in for your primary sump pump when the primary pump is out of commission because of a power outage or other problems. To make this arrangement work, your backup sump pump should run on a battery, instead of being connected to the grid.

Lastly, you need to have your sump pump system inspected at least once a year by a qualified plumber. A good plumber will also advise you on additional steps to protect your sump pump from damage and your home from basement flooding. Most of the problems above can be avoided if you inspect your sump pump regularly and have professional maintenance.

Jul '23

Preventing Sump Pump Malfunctions: A Guide for Homeowners

Sump pump malfunctions rank among the top ten causes of the worst flooding in homes. Any flooding in your home will cause severe emotional pain and financial loss. But the pain is worse when that flooding is from a sump pump failure. That is because the entire purpose of having a sump pump in your home is to prevent flooding.

Sump pumps are designed to keep protecting your home after other flood defenses have failed. Most of a home’s flood defenses are located outside; to keep water from entering the house. But the sump pump is located inside the building. If floodwaters elude the other flood defenses and enter the home, the sump pump removes the water.

But sometimes, this does not happen because the sump pump fails. Real Property Group Company says most sump pump failures will go undetected by the homeowner. Homeowners only become aware of the issues with the sump pump after their home has been flooded. What is the point of installing a sump pump in your home if you cannot sleep knowing that your home is protected from floods?

The good news is there are ways to prevent sump pump failure. You can prevent basement flood damage by early detection of problems in your sump pump. This post explains the simple steps to ensure your sump pump is always functional. These suggestions work best if you have a schedule for doing all the checks at predetermined times during the year.

Sump pumps are designed to keep protecting your home after other flood defenses have failed.

Common sump pump problems and how to solve them

Power failure

Electrical problems cause more sump pump failures than mechanical issues. These electrical problems can be due to power outages during stormy weather. They can also be due to negligence, such as when someone unplugs the sump pump or accidentally shuts off the circuit breaker. Problems in a home’s electrical wiring may also cause sump pump failure. Routine checks to ensure the sump pump is plugged in and getting power will help you avoid this problem.

Float switch problems

A malfunctioning float switch is the second most common cause of sump pump failure. Float switch problems happen because the pump has shifted inside the pit, the float is stuck, or debris is interfering with it. To test the float switch, fill the pit with water and watch to see if the float switch will trigger the pump and switch it off at the right time. To avoid float issues, ensure the pit is clean and the pump is positioned properly.

Clogged or frozen discharge lines

If the discharge line is frozen or clogged, water will not flow to the designated discharge point. Instead, it will flow backwards, down the line and into the basement. That will make the sump pump overwork, which can burn the motor. Installing a grated covering on the end of the discharge line will keep debris out. To prevent freezing, use sturdy PVC pipes, make sure the discharge line has a good slope and install a pop-up drain in your yard.

Check valve failure

The check valve is a one-way valve that prevents discharged water from back-flowing into the sump pump. It is often located in the vertical portion of the discharge line, close to where it connects to the sump pump. A damaged check valve will keep your sump pump cycling on and off continuously. The check valve will make a noise or vibrate if it is broken. A damaged check valve should be replaced.

Undersized sump pit or sump pump

Your home will be vulnerable to flooding if the sump pit is inadequate for the amount of water that enters the basement or if the sump pump is too small. Make sure your sump pit and sump pump match the requirements of your home. If the sump pump is too small for your home, it will overwork. That will lead to your sump pump motor burning out. It will also make it prone to a lot of other issues.

a person checking their water alarm app for sump pump failure.

If the sump pump fails, a water alarm will emit a loud sound to alert you. An internet-enabled water alarm is better because it can alert you via email, SMS, or app notifications.

Failsafe methods to protect your home from flooding

Water alarms

If the sump pump fails, a water alarm will emit a loud sound to alert you. An internet-enabled water alarm is better because it can alert you via email, SMS, or app notifications.

Redundant sump pump

A redundant sump system uses two sump pumps in the same sump pit. If one of the sump pumps fails, you can rely on the other one to keep your home safe.

Battery-powered sump pump

A battery-powered sump pump will work even when there is a power outage. Since power outages typically coincide with heavy rainfall, a battery backup installation of your sump pump is highly recommended.

To conclude, one of the best ways to ensure that your sump pump performs as expected is to have an expert install the system. The risk of sump pump failure can be halved by proper installation. It is also a good practice to have a plumber do a thorough inspection of your sump pump system periodically.

Jun '23

Troubleshooting Guide: Common Issues with Sump Pump Systems

Sump pumps protect your home from basement flooding. They make it possible to travel or sleep without worrying that a basement flood will damage your home. A functioning sump pump means that basement floods will never take you by surprise.

But the value of your sump pump lies in its ability to do its work without the need for your direct involvement. Sump pumps automatically power on when water enters your basement and turn themselves off after that water is removed.

If the sump pump fails to do this, it will not provide any protection against flooding. However, since you are oblivious to the failure of the sump pump, you will continue to rely on it for protection. Prime Realty Property Management warns that is one of the biggest issues homeowners have with their sump pumps.

This kind of sump pump issue is usually not discovered until after a flood has damaged your home. But you can avoid problems like this if you know how to troubleshoot a sump pump to ensure it works. Troubleshooting your sump pump will give you peace of mind.

In this short guide, we explain the common issues with sump pump systems and how you can troubleshoot these problems to avoid a flooding emergency in your home.

Power outages during storms can cause your sump pump to stop working.

How to troubleshoot some common sump pump issues

Do these checks at the approach of flood season and during flood season.

Sump pump doesn’t have power

Power outages during storms can cause your sump pump to stop working. The sump pump may also lose power if someone forgets to plug it in or accidentally flips the circuit breaker. There are two things you can do to protect yourself in these situations. You can install a water alarm to let you know when the sump pump is not working. You may also install a battery-powered backup sump pump in case the main pump stops working.

Sump pump float is jammed

The float switch is responsible for switching on the sump pump when the water level in the sump pit rises and turning it off when the water level is low. If the float switch is stuck, it cannot perform this function. Pour water into the pit until you hear the pump power on to check if the float switch is functioning. Wait until the water is pumped out to see if the pump turns off automatically.

Sump pump is clogged

Before water enters your sump pit, it may have flowed over the ground and picked up debris. The debris inside the water can get inside your sump pump and clog it. A clogged sump pump will not only overwork but will not pump water adequately. Elevate your sump pump above the sump pit floor by placing it on a pedestal to prevent clogs. Create a schedule for cleaning your sump pit and sump pump.

The check valve is damaged

There is a check valve inside the discharge pipe of your sump pump. This valve prevents discharged water from flowing back into the pit. If the valve is faulty, the sump pump will run continuously because discharged water will circle back into the sump pit. If your sump pump runs continuously and the problem is not due to a jammed float switch, you may need to replace the check valve. A damaged check valve will overwork and damage your sump pump.

Discharge line is clogged

The sump pump discharge line can get clogged at its exit or freeze during winter. If either of these happens, discharged water will flow back into the sump pit instead of flowing to the discharge point. Install grates at the end of the discharge pipe to keep debris and small animals out of the discharge line. A special grated discharge line attachment will allow your discharge pipe to continue to work even when the discharge pipe is frozen.

a plumber performing sump pump maintenance.

Frequent sump pump failure could be a sign that you need a bigger and more durable sump pump.

The sump pit is too small

If the sump pit is not big enough to handle the volume of water that enters it, the sump pump will run more often than it should. That will make the sump pump more vulnerable to failure because the motor will burn out. If your sump pump runs continuously and you have determined that the problem is not due to a stuck float switch or damaged check valve, it could be that the sump pit is too small.

The sump pump is wrong for your home

You will have frequent sump pump issues if the sump pump’s capacity does not match the needs of your home. The right size of the sump pump depends on how much water you expect the sump pump to handle. The amount of rainfall your area receives and proximity to large water bodies are factors that influence sump pump size. Frequent sump pump failure could be a sign that you need a bigger and more durable sump pump.

Lastly, to make sure your sump pump system does not disappoint you when you need it most, make a plan to have the sump pump inspected on a schedule by a professional plumber.