5 Most Common Issues Sump Pumps Have
Sump pumps are a vital part of your basement that will fight against floods, whether a storm or a plumbing leakage. Everything can go great until your sump pump fails, leading to floods and structural damage! If you were wondering why your sump pump isn't performing up to the standard suddenly, you've come across the right article!
Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?
Like cars, sump pumps are mechanical devices which means a malfunction is bound to happen over time. A power source is needed to operate a sump pump system, and when there's a circuit shortage, there's no way to discharge the water. There are sump pumps made in different models by different brands, and they tend to be built with a cheap and poor design that isn't reliable for basements. It's also good to make sure that your sump pump is installed correctly because an improper installation can lead to some issues. Let's take this time to dive into the 5 most common issues sump pumps have in hopes that you can identify these problems before they get serious!
1. Clogged Sump Pump and Switches
Many homeowners with existing sump pumps tend not to have a lid to cover up the pit. This exposes the sump pit to dirt and debris that can clog up the system, not allowing it to pump water as fast or at all. The float switch can also clog or jam, which is the part that turns the pump on and off, depending on the water level.
2. Improper Drainage System
A sump pump works best when there is a reliable drainage system internally along the inside perimeter of the basement or externally. These systems are made to collect water seepage and move it towards the sump pump, where it all gets discharged. If the interior drainage is installed incorrectly where gravity can't channel the water, water isn't filling up the sump pit. If this is the case, it's best to get the drainage system inspected and fixed, But if you don't have one, it's wise to install it.
3. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line
To ensure the water is effectively moved away from the basement, sump pumps are traditionally attached to a discharge line. However, freezing temperatures can cause the discharge line to freeze up or get clogged. Unfortunately, cold weather is unavoidable, but by installing an IceGuard, water will be able to flow out of the basement if everything is frozen.
4. Power Outage
As mentioned earlier in this article, if your home loses power, then your basement is vulnerable since it depends on electricity to run. If the circuit breaker trips or the sump pump gets unplugged, that could also lead to the same issue. The best way to avoid this issue is to have a backup pump! A high-capacity, battery-operated backup option such as our UltraSump sump pump can push out an excess of 11,500 gallons of water on a fully charged battery!
5. Sump Pump Runs Non-Stop
If your sump pump is running constantly, regardless of the weather conditions or time of the year, this issue shouldn't be ignored. An overworked sump pump can burn out and eventually fail. Here are the most common causes of a non-stop running sump.
- The float switch can get stuck in the "on" position, making the system run continuously.
- Sump Pump liner is too small. If it's not big enough, it will just keep pumping because of how little water it can handle. Also, if the sump pit is too small, it'll fill up faster than a decent-sized pit.
- The check valve could be broken or even missing. This part of the sump pump prevents water from returning to the pit before reaching the apex. If it is broken, some water could go right back into the pit, making the sump pump do more work than it needs.
If you are unsatisfied with your sump pump, we have certified sump pump installers who service Massachusetts and Rhode Island and install some of our best products! With our expert technicians, we can provide the best solutions where each of the sump pumps comes with annual maintenance checks, so we can help keep your system clean and functioning!
