Has your sump pump stopped working? With the recent weather, this is certainly not uncommon for those who live in our neck of the woods. We are all familiar with the fact that Ohio weather has its own way of causing its fair share of plumbing problems. With the snow melt and rain working full time throughout the winter season, sump pump issues are, might we say…in full season. And when your sump pump stops working, it is absolutely not something we recommend putting off. Flooded basements and water damage, amongst various other undesirable possibilities, are not things we want for our customers.
Sump pumps are designed to pump water out by way of the discharge pipe and direct the excess water safely away from the foundation of your home. Because of this, when a sump pump suddenly stops working, it can very quickly lead to the flooding of your basement, then snowballing into a multitude of other catastrophes. Luckily, your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain professionals are on top of it! Let us help you troubleshoot! In fact, you shouldn’t have to wait until an issue presents itself. So, familiarize yourself today with the 8 most common reasons your sump pump may be acting up now.
TRY THESE STEPS TO PINPOINT THE ISSUE:
- Checking the Power Supply: Power outages are a top culprit of a malfunctioning sump pump. Whether it was caused by a severe storm or a tripped circuit breaker, if your sump pump has stopped working, the first thing you should do is confirm that the sump pump is plugged in and is receiving power. If not, you should also test the outlet with another device to verify if the outlet is the problem. You can also restart the pump by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Although this may work, keep in mind that it may only be a temporary fix.
- Testing the Pump Motor: Try to listen for any unusual noises coming from the pump motor. If the motor isn’t running, check the circuit breaker and reset it as necessary.
- Examining the Pump Basin: Now that you’ve checked on the lid, you still want to check on the side to figure out what’s going on. Inspect the sump pump basin for debris, dirt, or even ice accumulation. Should you find any, be sure to remove any debris that could obstruct the pump’s impeller.
- Inspecting the Float Switch: Move on to check the float switch for proper movement. Look for any debris that needs to be cleared out and check if the float switch is moving freely. A stuck or frozen float will most definitely not be able to activate the pump as intended.
- Testing the Check (or Overflow) Valve: Verify that the check valve is installed correctly. You’ll need to make sure that the valve is not blocked by debris. Sometimes, the pipe above it can also become clogged, preventing the check valve from functioning correctly. If the check valve is working as it’s supposed to, it will prevent water from flowing back into the sump pit.
- Inspecting the Discharge Pipe: If your basement is flooded and the water is not being discharged away from your home, it is highly likely that the discharge pipe is clogged. So, turn your focus to locating and checking on the discharge pipe.
- Clearing the Weeping Hole: Another thing you’ll want to check is the weeping hole. Your sump pumps should have a small hole on the discharge pipe that is designed to release air and keep everything running properly. When this weeping hole gets blocked, the pump will not function accordingly. If there is a clog in the weeping hole, it will need to be cleared out.
- Considering an Overwhelmed Pump: If a sump pump is incorrectly sized for your space, it will not be able to take on the high volumes of water being thrown at it. If this is an issue for you that has happened more than once, it may be time to consider an upgrade to prevent this from continuously happening.
You got this! With a little bit of determination and some focused DIY troubleshooting, you should be able to pinpoint the source of your sump pump problem. Sump pump issues in cold weather are never fun! But just remember that safety is of the utmost importance! So, please take your time and move slowly and carefully as you assess your situation and move through each troubleshooting step.
CONSULT PROFESSIONAL HELP:
Still scratching your head trying to figure out what’s going on? That’s what we are here for! If, at this point, these troubleshooting steps still have not resolved the issue for you, please consider contacting us to professionally diagnose and get your sump pump up and running again. It’s imperative that you use a licensed plumber to inspect your sump pump and identify underlying problems.
Consider These Helpful Sump Pump Tips:
Before we close this up, there are a few valuable tips you can do to aid in maintaining your sump pump moving forward. If you want to keep your sump running without any mishaps, it would be a great idea to get into the habit of quickly checking on it every now and then. Simply make sure everything is running smoothly, and there are no odd sounds coming from it.
The area around the sump pump should be kept free from clutter, random objects, and loose debris. Loose debris plays a large role in various sump pump problems. The buildup of loose debris and other particles can lead to clogs and obstruct the functionality of your sump pump. So, it’s important to make sure the sump pump pit lid is always firmly in place and properly sealed to prevent any unwanted particles from getting in. A secure lid will help prevent debris from entering the pit and interfering with the pump.
Your plumbing system is the heart of your home, and there are a lot of things that can go awry when it comes to it. So, it’s best to place your home in the hands of someone you can trust. At Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain, we strive to be just that. Our customers are our top priority. We value your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Furthermore, we prioritize our customers and aim to serve you with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
You can rely on Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing woes. Call us today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!