Sump pumps are important for home safety because they keep your basement from flooding. They are especially necessary for basements that have a sump pit. When the ground is saturated with water or too much rainwater or surface runoff, it can seep into your basement. It can lead to an overflow of the perimeter of your foundation unless you have a sump pump to remove the water.
Losing a basement to flooding can lead to mold and other problems, so homeowners need to understand sump pumps and how they work so they can call for a local sump pump repair in time and address sump pump issues before the situation escalates.
Here are some sump pump issues and potential remedies:
Table of Contents
Sump Pump Failure
The most common problem that plumbers are called for is a malfunctioning sump pump. First, make sure there is power getting to the pump. Also, check to make sure it’s not jammed. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call a local plumber right away.
Water Coming Up Into The Sump Pump
If water is coming up into the sump pump, you likely have an issue with your drainage system. Some potential causes include blockage of the outlet pipe, improper pitch for the drain field, or even root intrusion. You must call a plumber to resolve this issue.
Smell From The Pump
If you smell gas, turn off the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t fix it, call a plumber right away because there could be a leak or other problem with your pump. Call a local sump pump repair expert as soon as possible if you think the motor is overheating, as it’s important to address this problem right away before it leads to serious problems.
Sump Pump Runs Constantly
You may even need to replace your sump pump if it runs constantly and doesn’t turn off. There could be several causes, such as water in the pit, clogs or debris around the house’s exterior, or malfunctioning heaters. You can resolve these problems by having a plumber come out and check on your specific system.
Reset Button Doesn’t Work
If you can’t reset the sump pump, it likely has a problem and needs to be fixed by a local plumber. To do this, first, unplug the unit and drain as much water as possible from it. Remove debris if necessary.
Then, use a voltage tester to check that there is no voltage in the system. If there isn’t, you likely have a wiring problem and should call an electrician right away. Next, try to reset it with your breaker panel to determine if it’s the pump or the power source. If this still doesn’t work, it may be time to call a local plumber.
Power Filter Clogs
If your sump pump is in the power filter, you may need to replace it. If clogs are occurring due to excessive use of water nearby or an issue with the basement floor, a plumber should address this. It may also be caused by something in your drainage system not operating correctly.
Sump Pump Overflows
This problem may be caused by too much debris around your home or a break in the drain system under the house. If this happens, your sump pump will likely need to be replaced.
A local sump pump repair professional can identify the problem and let you know what replacement pump to get. They may also be able to give you tips to help prevent another overflow in the future.
Flow Control Valve
This device can be used to control how much water the sump pump drains. Once it’s installed, you can turn on a switch and then fill up your basement with as much water as possible before going to bed. In the morning, look at how much water is in there – if there isn’t enough for a good soak, you’ll know that your sump pump is working.
Sump Pump Replacement Needed
If you have a lot of water around and inside your home, this may indicate that your sump pump needs replacing. It could also indicate a larger, more complicated issue with the drainage system or even the foundation itself, so you must call a professional to examine it immediately.
Malfunctioning Check Valve
This device is supposed to prevent water from backing up once it’s already gone down your drain. If the valve is defective, you may need to replace your sump pump or drain system. If you find that the check valve has malfunctioned, you should call a plumber immediately because it may lead to more serious problems.
If you have a sump pump problem, don’t wait to call a plumber to resolve it. Delaying it will allow the issue to escalate, so when you eventually hire a plumber, the total cost of the repairs may be too high.
