The day you discover that you have water in your basement is the wrong time to find out that your sump pump isn’t working right.
Sump pumps can prevent serious water damage to your home but only if they are well maintained. Is your sump pump going to be there for you when you need it? If you follow a few simple maintenance tips the answer to that question should be yes.
You can test the pump by pouring water into the well, the hole in the floor that the pump sits in. The float should rise with the water in the well and the pump will turn on, sending the water through the discharge line and away from the house. If the pump fails to come on, then you’ve got problems.
If you sump pump isnt working, start with the obvious. Make sure power is getting to the sump pump. Is the unit plugged in? Did a circuit breaker get tripped? If you find that power is indeed reaching the pump, then you need to start troubleshooting. You may find the problem is a quick fix or you may find you need a brand new sump pump.
A common culprit is a malfunctioning float component. It is possible that the float itself is caught on something which is preventing it from being raised by the water level. Check to make sure debris hasn’t fallen into the well which could obstruct the float. It is also possible the float switch may be bad and need to be replaced. If you find the float switch has indeed failed, it might be better to invest in a new sump pump unless you are confident you can install a new switch yourself.
You should also check to make sure the discharge line isn’t frozen shut or obstructed by debris. When the line isn’t clear the pump can’t push the water through the line and it will back up into the basement. Making sure that the discharge line is free of obstructions is a continuing part of sump pump maintenance and it should be checked a few times every year.
A clogged intake filter can make it difficult or even impossible for a sump pump to get water out of the well. Dirt, gravel, and other debris can clog the filter and force your sump pump to work harder to empty the well. Make sure to keep the intake filter clean and replace it when appropriate. Clogged intake filters can cause your pump to run continuously since the water isn’t being removed which can quickly burn up the unit.
Sump pumps do wear out over time and you’ll want to find out if yours is finished before flooding season. Installing a new pump is simple enough but if you don’t feel it’s something you can do on your own, hire a plumber. A properly functioning sump pump can help mitigate the effects of flooding in your basement, potentially saving you thousands of dollars, so it is well worth your time to check out your sump pump to make sure it is ready to go when you need it.