Sump pumps get utilized to remove water that has been collected in an aquisition basin to store water. They typically are located within the basements of the house. The primary function of a sump basin is to pump water away from your home to an area that will create fewer problems, typically, a city storm drain or an empty well. If not regularly and adequately filled, a sump pump may overflow. Some are a handful of the most typical sump pump blunders, along with some suggestions for avoiding them:
1. In the Process of Letting Debris into the Pump
Injecting debris into the sump pump can be a typical error that can damage the pump’s motor. However, it’s a simple fix. Make sure your sump pump isn’t sitting on any small or loose particles of silt or debris that could get drawn into the system. Instead, choose big rocks or gravel to ensure that your lines don’t be blocked, which could affect the motor in the pump.
2. Insufficiently Giving the Float Switch Enough Space for Operation
The float switch signals the sump pump’s motor to stop when the water level is too low. It is necessary to create enough room around your float switch for the arm to flotation and sink fluidly. If there’s not enough room or obstruction, blocking the float switch will likely result in the pump working incorrectly or stopping altogether, which could heat the motor.
3. Affixing the Check Valve Arrow Towards the Sump Pump
The check valve creates a blockage, preventing water from flowing backward into the pump. An arrow should be printed around the check number to show how the valve should be pointing. Ensure that the arrow indicates away from the valve to prevent water from flowing through it.
4. Do Not Test Your Sump Pump Regularly
There are usually three levels to “need” for a sump pump. The first is when your sump pump constantly operates, even if there is a lack of rain. Level 2 is to be the “ideal” situation. If your pump isn’t running, it will occasionally run whenever the need arises, for instance, in heavy rain or storms, and after that, it stops. Level 3 will never run your pump. If your pump isn’t running, you will not know if the pump is operating in the event you require it. Check your system frequently or at least every other year to avoid this issue. You have to fill the tank with water and then pour it into your system to see if it works. You can take a 5-gallon container of water and gradually pour it until the float causes the pump to start. Ideally, you should be able to see the level of the waterfall and then stop after the float has dropped below the shut-off point. If that doesn’t occur, you’ll need to investigate any issues that you might encounter to repair or replace it.
5. Having a Broken Discharge Pipe
If you fail to check your drainage pipes regularly, you may enter your basement and discover it’s flooded. When a chute discharges breaks, it could occur underground, and it’s difficult to detect or even suspect before it’s too late. Therefore, it gets recommended to examine your discharge pipes at least every couple of months to ensure that they’re functioning correctly.
6. Failure to Look for Loose Wires
If your sump pump unexpectedly ceases to function, it’s a good indication of a problem with the wiring. Check the wiring
- Remove the pump’s power supply from the source and unplug it.
- Examine the pump for loose wires, and replace those that require replacing.
- Install the pump again, re-establish power, and check whether it starts working again.
- Include these steps on your routine maintenance checklist for your system.
7. Don’t Check If Your Pump Is Connected
It may seem like something easy to do. However, it occurs more frequently than you believe. It’s an easy solution. Always make sure that the sump pump gets hooked up. If you don’t, reconnect it.
8. It Is Difficult to Know the Moment When a Professional Should Assist and Fix the Sump Pump
Suppose you’ve gone over all of the little details that your pump uses and eliminated any faults that you’ve found. If you check if the pump is operating correctly, it will be able to identify when your pump needs professional repairs. If that’s the scenario, it’s an excellent idea to contact an expert.
Do You Need Help with a Sump Pump?
In Ottawa Plumbing Services, we know everything about leaks and their causes. We provide various professional plumbing services, including repairs to your sump pump. Contact us at (613) 317-1682 or info@ottawaplumbingservice.com if you have any questions about your present sump pump or make an appointment. Our highly qualified specialists are glad to help you.
