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Your sump pump is an instrumental component of your home that you may not use regularly, but when heavy rains or flooding occurs, it is of extreme importance. Whether you live somewhere prone to heavy rainfall or wish to safeguard your home against water damage, your sump pump works hard to keep your home dry when water levels rise. However, what happens when your sump pump fails and you have no idea what the problem is? Today the master plumbers at Fosh share common sump pump problems and how to troubleshoot them. 

Possible Causes of Sump Pump Failure

Most often installed in a basement or the lower portion of a home, your sump pump provides an effective way to drain water from your house. It works to quickly eliminate excess water during a storm, heavy rain, or rapidly melting snow by pumping water out of the pit beneath the device and away from your home’s foundation. Over time, you may run into unexpected problems with your pump, rendering it useless during a time when you need it most. If you encounter a failure, your first line of defense against flooding is gone, and you could find yourself with a wet basement or extensive water damage. Below we highlight the many possible causes of sump pump problems.

Switch Problem

One of the most common sump pump problems is a faulty or stuck switch. Most sump pumps switch on through a pressure sensor or float activator. Faulty, restricted, or stuck regulators can cause problems for your pump. Stuck switches occur when debris accumulates in the pit, but this is an easy fix—simply clean the sump pit and reposition it so your float moves freely.  

Overwhelmed Sump Pump

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, your sump pump may be overwhelmed by an excessive influx of water. When your sump pump is overworked, it can malfunction and break down. If you suspect this is the cause, a sump pump upgrade or installing an additional pump might be the best solution to battle the excess water.  

Power Outage

Does your area suffer from constant power outages? It could be why your sump pump is on the fritz! When your home loses power, so does your sump pump. Ensure your sump pump never lets you down by investing in a generator or another sump pump with a battery or hydro backup. Your basement will stay dry even during the worst storms. 

Clogged Sump Pump

If your sump pump is lidless, you risk a clogged pump. Over time, dirt and debris builds up within your pump, causing a clog. A clogged pump can be avoided with routine sump pump maintenance, which typically includes an inspection and cleaning. 

Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line

The discharge pipe runs from the pit to the exterior of your home, where the water drains. If this pipe is clogged or frozen, your sump pump stops working, and water backs up into the basement. Items that clog pipes include rocks, dirt, roots, and mice. 

Improper Installation

If none of these other instances is fixing your sump pump problem, it could be due to improper installation. Telltale signs of an improperly installed sump pump include a missing check valve on the discharge line or if the sump pit was set in dirt or gravel. If you suspect incorrect installation, call the experts at Fosh for a sump pump repair service! 

Old Age

If your sump pump is over ten years old, your system is probably worn out and will stop working. An old sump pump should be replaced by a professional, so your basement can continue to remain dry.

Sump Pump Repair With Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc.

If you think you have a broken or malfunctioning sump pump, contact the plumbers at Fosh Plumbing & Heating Inc! Our team is here to deliver sump pump services that can give you peace of mind if you live in an area prone to flooding or have encountered a wet basement during a rainstorm. Keep your home dry and protected even during the wettest weather with Fosh.