Sump pump failures are typically the largest cause of having to deal with a flooded basement problem in your home. A sump pump usually has a life span of six to seven years. This type of pump, that is used to remove water accumulated in a sump pit, is found in the basement of homes. A sump pit is prone to breaking down over a period of time and things like float switches can come off while the impeller can be damaged due to influx of foreign objects. So it is always better to maintain your sump pump regularly so that it works in optimum condition.
Sometimes a broken switch can result in poor pump performance, which you may need to replace. To find out if there is a problem with the float, pour water into the sump pit, so that it attains a level above the normal. Now switch the sump pump on; if the float and the switch are working, the water level should decrease. But if the pump starts, and the water level does not decrease, this means there is a problem with the float.
Check if the float is working properly by inserting a broom handle to find out if it moves without any hindrance. If the float is broken, it is the time to replace it. Also, if the float is not clogged and still the pump does not start, you may have to replace the switch of the float.
To fix the switch, you have to unplug the sump pump, take the discharge pipe off and push the pump out of the pit. Then remove the broken switch and put in the replacement. Press it securely and wait for the moisture to dry off before starting it again.
Lack of suction can also be another problem that can result in the malfunctioning of the sump pump. To rectify this, switch off the sump pump and remove the discharge pipe. Take the pump off the pit and open the impeller chamber. Now take off the screen and wash it well in clean water. Clean the chamber properly because there should not be any dust going into the impeller that has an important role to play in the suction performance. Now reassemble the parts and clean the sump pit to make sure that there is no debris issue. Once you refill the sump pump, it should begin to work fine.
Apart from the broken switch, the impeller and the float, the other reasons for the sump pump to not work can be a valve problem or a wiring issue. Also make sure that you clean the sump pump pit well because debris, stones and mud can seep into it and stop the pump from working properly. Also, it is always recommended to turn off the sump pump and remove the discharge pipe before repairing or handling any of the parts. If you are not confident or qualified for handling the electrical parts, of, you should call a qualified electrician to look into it. Also, if it your sump pump is in warranty, please do not open it or repair it, because the warranty will be nullified and you will lose the benefit of getting your sump pump replaced for free.
