Why Addison Sump Pumps Fail and How to Make Sure Yours is Working

A sump pump can help your basement stay water-free… but only if it’s working properly. The mechanical elements of a sump pump need to be working correctly, and the discharge pipe needs to be clear for water to be pumped out effectively.  So, let’s take a look at the kind of problems sump pumps are prone to experiencing to help you diagnose what might be wrong with yours if you’re noticing issues:

Improper Installation

If your sump pump wasn’t installed correctly, it can run poorly and fail prematurely. An improper installation could be any number of things like the wrong pump size for your home, improper placement of the float switch, or poor discharge pipe configuration. If you can name it, we’ve seen it! Unfortunately, as a homeowner, you probably won’t be able to quickly spot this kind of issue. A local Addison plumber who is very familiar with sump pump setups will have the expertise needed to identify these kinds of problems and resolve them.

Faulty Float Switch

If the float switch on your sump pump has failed, it won’t receive the signal to turn on, which means water won’t be pumped out. The good news is that the float could just be stuck. Check it to ensure it’s not hung up on anything. If you can’t move it freely with gentle to moderate pressure, it could be stuck on debris. Free it from whatever is holding it in place and then check it again. 

Check Valve Failure

A faulty check valve can allow water back in that has already been pumped out. This can lead to your unit running more than it should, and result in a premature failure. 

Excessive Use

If your sump pump is running too often or for too long when it’s needed, the motor will burn out faster. Continuous use due to poor float placement or a check value failure can cause your pump to run excessively and lead to early failure. Before replacing the unit, you should have a plumber check to ensure the other plumbing-related components of your sump pump system (like the discharge pipe) are set up correctly, otherwise you may find yourself in the same situation again soon.

Lack of Maintenance

Like anything else with a motor sump pumps require maintenance. If you haven’t been regularly maintaining your sump pump, it can fail when you need it most. Once you get a new sump pump installed, be sure to stick to a periodic cleaning and maintenance schedule to extend its life.

Old Age

Even sump pumps that are well maintained will wear out over time. If your sump pump is old and worn out, you’ll need to replace it with a new unit eventually. Trust a plumber to recommend the right unit for your home.

Clogged Discharge Pipe

If your sump pump is working just fine but your discharge pipe is clogged or frozen, water won’t be able to be pumped out. If you can’t see a blockage, call a local plumber for help getting it cleared out.

Sump pump problems can be a hassle! If you suspect that your sump pump isn’t working properly, you can manually trigger it on by lifting the float. If the sump pump doesn’t turn on, you’ll know that you have a problem right away. If the pump turns off, you can test its ability to move water out by pouring a bucket-full of clean water into your sump pump pit. If your sump pump is working correctly, the water level will fall as it’s pulled out and pushed through the discharge pipe outside. If that doesn’t happen, you’ll know you have an issue with the water either getting out or staying out. Resolving that is where a plumbing company will really prove their value!

If you need Addison sump pump service, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130. We would be happy to come out and take a look at your unit to determine what’s wrong and whether it can be fixed. If your sump pump can’t be fixed, we can get a new sump pump installed to restore functionality and your peace of mind.

Additional resources:
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Maintaining Your Sump Pump Well
Average Cost of a Sump Pump
Who Does Sump Pump Plumbing in Addison?
Addison Plumbers that Fix Sump Pumps
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