Not all issues with sump pumps need you to immediately replace your entire unit. Often, sump pump issues can be with professional plumbers fixed, as long as you understand that they have already happened before you suffer such a major system failure. Water leaking from your sump pump may have come from an outside faucet, or perhaps, from cracks in your foundation walls. A slow-moving river may also be the culprit. The most important thing to remember when dealing with any type of sump pump problem is to have it checked out by a professional right away.
Sump Pumps and Basement Flooding – It is important to recognize the difference between water damage that can occur to your home, and basement flooding. Water damage is usually the result of poor construction. Homeowners often make the mistake of building their homes too high, which can lead to foundation failure or structural damage that causes water to seep into your basement. On the other hand, flooding is caused by overflowing gutters and toilets, leading to overflowing sewers and waterways. The same basic principles apply when it comes to both home plumbing and basement flooding – take the necessary precautions to avoid damage.
It’s important to understand the difference between normal wear and tear, and potential catastrophic damage that can occur if you don’t maintain your sump pump and drainage system. While the materials used in older residential houses were quite simple, modern materials such as PVC pipes and insulation aren’t always so reliable. As a result, you should always call on a licensed plumber to ensure that your drainage system and sump pump are working at full capacity. If your drains and sump pump fails to function properly for even a day, it’s crucial to get a licensed plumber out to assess the problem. Fortunately, there are many common plumbing and basement flooding issues that can be easily fixed without calling a professional.
One of the most common plumbing issues involved with a sump pump failure is dirty pipes or an overflowing pipe. It’s important to make sure that your drainage system and sump pump are not leaking, since they allow accumulated water to enter your basement and potentially damage your home. If your plumbing is clogged or blocked, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper disposal of any unneeded water and clean the discharge pipe. If your pump and pipes are clean but the pit isn’t draining, you may need to add some household chemicals to the pit to help the water to move faster. For more extreme plumbing issues, like a completely clogged discharge pipe, you may want to consult a contractor.
Some sump pump issues may be caused by improper installation of the float arm. The float is what controls the level of water in the pit, and problems with the float arms can result in insufficient water in the pit. If your sump pump stops functioning, you will probably notice that your house fills with a strange taste or odor. To remove debris from the pit, insert a long flexible pliers into the pit and pull outward until all of the debris has been removed.
Another common plumbing issue is dirty pipes. If you have noticed cloudy water coming from your house, but the sump pump itself is working properly, it could be due to a clogged discharge pipe. To remove dirt and other debris from your discharge pipe, insert a steel wool or other long-nose object into the hole and flush against the sides of the pipe until the clog is removed.
A working sump pump requires maintenance, so the biggest problem with a malfunctioning pump is how to make sure it is working properly. You should check the motor and look for worn wires or damaged connections. If you have a battery backup, make sure you check to see if the battery’s charging system is still intact. In addition, check to make sure the float arms are not leaking, and that they are not damaged.
Finally, check the float switch to make sure it is not broken. If a float switch is damaged, the pump will not work. Also, you may need to test your drainage pipe for leaks. If your drainage pipe is leaking, you should make sure that it is not broken. If you do find a leak, you should immediately replace the pipe with a new one.
