More than 60% of American houses, as per the American Society of Home Inspectors, have moisture below ground. The solution is sump pumps.
The sump pump plays a vital role in the home. It handles water in the basement, helping to reduce damage from floods and other water-related issues.
When kept in good condition and used correctly, the sump pumps can effectively keep water damage to a minimum. But, several issues could potentially affect it, most of which will work against its ability to handle basement flooding.
Although the experience you have with a sump pump will vary greatly depending on your individual needs, understanding these issues is important.
How Does A Sump Pump Work?
The process of pumping out groundwater or other liquids is called ‘sumping.’ The “sump” can be a dry well, a hole with grating, floor sink, or similar.
Sump pumps are designed to take water out of your basement or crawlspace and dispose of it outside not to flood your home.
A pump consists of three main parts:
- An impeller attached to a shaft
- A motor
- Afloat switch that activates when it detects rising water.
Sump pumps usually require electricity to operate. They run on electricity from batteries or draw power from an external source like an electrical outlet or generator.
Issues That You Face with Sump Pumps
There are various reasons why sump pumps may not function properly even after all attempts have been made to restart them. First, look at the most common problem associated with sump pumps below.
Undersized Pump
The main problem with an undersized pump is that it will be put under strain while pumping as it will not raise the required water level in your sump pit.
An improperly sized pump may make loud and worrisome noises whenever it tries to work, but more often, because of insufficient power, it will just stop working altogether. Another problem is that the pressure switch – installed to protect the motor from overheating when its workload becomes too heavy – may repeatedly trip, which in turn may cause the motor to burn out.
Dislodged Switches
Switch problems often cause sump pump issues. For example, the float will become inactive if the pump moves from its location in the basin. The pump will not run because the float is essential for the appropriate function of the on/off switch. It’s crucial to remember that sump pumps depend on both the switches and the floating arm to function properly. As a result, it’s critical to look for any switches that have dislodged.
Burnout of The Pump
Too much water might cause the sump pump to fail. Its motors may not be efficient enough to manage the flooding levels in certain circumstances. Sump pumps may be powerful, or they can be short on endurance -particularly if there is a deluge of water in your basement, you need to rely on an optimal sump pump.
Installation Issues
Sump pumps are machines. They’re built to be reliable but not always foolproof. If they aren’t installed correctly, it will mean that your pump fails to function when it matters most. If you plan on installing the pump yourself, be sure to follow the company’s directions to the letter.
Installation Tips
Make sure that the discharge pipe has a check valve fitted. A tiny air relief hole is bored in the discharge line, and the outlet valve should be of enough dimension to fit between both the pump and the check valve.
Lack of Maintenance
It is imperative to maintain and take care of your sump pump to avoid a catastrophe. For instance, if you don’t clean it regularly, clogged pipes and dirt can cause the pump to fail.
- Keep the chlorine in your pool away from the connections on your sump pump so that it doesn’t corrode or rust.
- Ensure that the hose is securely connected when not in use so that debris doesn’t get in there and obstruct the intake pipe.
- Ensure that all water is drained from your system before winter starts
Power Failure
The most frequent reason for sump pump failure is a power outage. In the case of a power loss, the sump pump will not work unless a backup generator is available to kick in. During thunderstorms, power outages are frequent, so having a backup generator is essential. It’s also worth noting that power surges may have an impact on sump pumps.
Onboard circuitry and electronic components of the sump pump might be damaged as a result of this. Therefore, it’s a good idea to invest in a service entrance surge prevention device. It can safeguard the complete electrical system in your house against power surges.
Why Does the Problem Arise?
- Clogged filter:It could be due to leaves or sticks.
- Dirty trap:It could be due to good sediment build-up or blockage by a foreign object like a stone
- Air leak in the suction pipe:It can be caused by poor sealing around the intake collar or insufficient air volume
Final Lines
It’s critical to have a well-functioning and well-maintained sump pump, particularly in areas where floods and high groundwater levels are concerned.
You must have gotten a fair sense of what to expect, how to detect typical sump pump issues, and what to do in the case of a failure by presenting the above common sump pump issues.
