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Sump Pump Failure
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Sump Pump inspection & Repairs
Have a sump pump failure? Contact us to inspect your sump pump and make repairs to prevent water overflow damage.
Some leaks are easy to find. If you see water where it is not supposed to be or can trace a dripping sound to its source, you know you have a problem that needs to be repaired.
Sump Pump repairs or replacement
Even a small amount of water can create a large amount of issues. Moisture in the lower levels of your home can become dangerous, especially if you get a mold colony growing to cause a mold infestation. Even a small flood can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Mold and mildew can take over and create problems in no time, even with a tiny amount of standing water.
Proper sump pump maintenance is the key. There is no such thing as “lifetime” of a sump pump. Sump Pumps can last anywhere from 3-20 years, but even with good maintenance, the lifespan averages about 10-15 years.
How does a sump pump work?
In the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace, a hole is dug where the sump pump sits and filters out water. As the sump pit fills up, the pump turns on and moves the liquid out of the pit through pipes that run away from the foundation of your home into an area where it can drain, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well. One-way valves, called check valves, will keep water from re-entering back into your home.
Sump pumps are generally powered by just plugging into your main household current. Since the pump is near water, or in water (in case of a failure), there should be some type of circuit interrupter to prevent electrocution.
Most residential sump pumps turn on automatically from a pressure sensor or float activator, and the pressure sensor activates as water builds up thus creating more pressure than air prompting the pump to turn on. Float activators have a ball that floats on top of the water, moving the arm as the water level rises – similar to the one in your toilet tank.
Causes of Sump Pump Failure
Power Failure
Most sump pump failures are due to electrical power outages. A battery backup or backup generator that can be manually activated will prevent this. If your primary pump mechanically fails, though, a generator cannot help in this situation. If power is knocked out due to a storm where the power is knocked out for any length of time, a backup generator can be a lifesaver.
Your Sump Pump is the Wrong Size
If your sump pump is incorrectly sized or not installed properly, you may have problems. Smaller sump pumps are often just as effective as big ones. If a sump pump is too big, the pump will be forced to work harder, resulting in a shorter pump lifespan. A sump pump that’s too small, may not be able to pump out enough water quickly enough – again resulting in a shorter lifespan.
Improper Installation
Proper installation of a sump pump is critical for proper water removal. It’s recommended to install a check valve on the discharge line to prevent back-flow of water that can cause the pump impeller to rotate backward and unscrew off the motor shaft. If this happens, you will still hear the pump motor running, but it would not be pumping any water.
Switch Problems
The major mechanical cause of sump pump failures are switch problems. This can occur when the sump pump shifts from its position inside the basin, making the float ineffective. The sump pump float is responsible for the smooth operation of the on/off switch. To operate effectively, your sump pump relies on both the switch and the float arm mechanisms.
Lack of Maintenance
Your sump pump should be run every 2-3 months and should be inspected on a yearly basis just before the rainy season hits.
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