Five Common Issues That Affect Sump Pumps

Between hurricane season and our snowy winters, Maryland homes need a great sump pump to protect against basement flooding. However, sump pumps are not foolproof and can sometimes jam, break down, and not work when you need them to the most. So it is important that you have your sump pump inspected routinely to make sure it is working perfectly. Here is a list of five common issues that could keep your sump pump from working:

1. Your Sump Pump Is Worn Out: Sump pumps only have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years because they wear out over time. So when your sump pump starts to get older it may be time to consider buying a new one before a flood happens.
2. The Float Switch Is Stuck: Sump pumps use a float to trigger when they need to turn on. When water rises, the float rises trigger the switch to turn on. Overtime this switch may get stuck, so it will not turn on when the float rises. So when inspecting your sump pump, check to make sure the float triggers the motor. If not, you need to have the switch repaired or the pump replaced.
3. The Discharge Pipe Is Clogged: The discharge pipe can be clogged in one of two ways. Either it is clogged from debris being trapped inside and blocking the passage of water or if it is winter, the pipe could be frozen. So you want to inspect the discharge pipe routinely to make sure it isn’t clogged or freezing.
4. Electrical Supply Is Cut Off: Sump pumps run on electricity. If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump may fail. This can be remedied by having a backup battery. The electrical supply may also be cut off because the electrical components have worn out. So you want to check the wires and plugs to make sure that they are still in good working condition. Pumps can also require so much power they trip the circuit.
5. Your Pump May Not Be Powerful Enough: When inspecting your sump pump you want to make sure that it has adequate power for the size and environmental needs of your basement. You can check the specifications in the owner’s manual. If your sump pump is not big enough, you should consider replacing as soon as possible.

These are just the five most common causes of sump pump failures. There are other things that can cause a sump pump to fail, so it is really important that you have your sump pump checked annually. If your sump pump has failed or you do not feel comfortable checking the reliability yourself, the friendly experts at AA Action Waterproofing are here to help. We can inspect your current sump pump, repair any damages, and if needed, make recommendations for a new system. With our help, you can trust your sump pump will work in an emergency. So call us today for a free consultation so we can help protect your basement from Maryland weather.

This entry was posted in Basement Waterproofing on September, 11, 2016