Has your sump pump stopped working? With the recent weather, it’s not uncommon. We all know that Ohio weather can cause its fair share of home-related problems. With the snow melt and rain working overtime during the winter season, sump pump issues are, well, in full swing. And when your sump pump stops working, it’s definitely not something we recommend putting off. Flooded basements and water damage, among other not-so-great possibilities, are not what we want for our customers.
Sump pumps are designed to pump water out through the discharge pipe and safely away from your home’s foundation. So, when a sump pump suddenly stops working, it can quickly lead to basement flooding and other problems. But don’t worry, our experts at Lebanon Plumbing & Drain have got you covered! We’ll help you troubleshoot the issue, and you don’t even have to wait for a problem to arise. Take a moment today to familiarize yourself with the eight most common reasons your sump pump might be acting up.
8 TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS
- Confirm It Has Power – First things first, let’s check the power supply. Power outages can be a major culprit when it comes to a sump pump acting up. Whether it’s due to a crazy storm or a tripped circuit breaker, if your pump isn’t working, start by making sure it’s plugged in and getting power. You can also test the outlet with another device to see if that’s the issue. And if all else fails, give it a shot of restarting by unplugging and plugging it back in. Just remember, this might only be a temporary solution.
- Test the Pump Motor – Listen out for any weird noises coming from the pump motor. If the motor isn’t running, give the circuit breaker a check and reset it if needed.
- Look in the Pump’s Basin – Next up, let’s take a look at the pump basin. Inspect the inside of the sump pump pit and examine it thoroughly. Give the sump pump basin a good look for any debris, dirt, or even ice buildup. If you come across any, make sure to clear out anything that could cause an obstruction or block the pump’s impeller.
- Check Out the Float Switch – Take a look for any debris that needs clearing and make sure the float switch is able to move freely. If it’s stuck or frozen, it won’t activate the pump as it should.
- Test the Check (or Overflow) Valve – Make sure the check valve (also known as the overflow valve) is installed correctly and not blocked by debris. Sometimes, the pipe above it can get clogged, too, messing with the check valve’s job. If everything’s working as it should, the check valve will stop water from flowing back into the sump pit.
- Inspect the Discharge Pipe – Let’s move on to the discharge pipe. If you’ve got a flooded basement and the water isn’t going anywhere, chances are the discharge pipe is clogged. So, go ahead and find the discharge pipe and give it a good once over. Should you find any clogs, be careful to remove them.
- Look at the Weeping Hole – Another thing to look out for is the weeping hole. Sump pumps usually have a small hole in the discharge pipe to release air and keep things running smoothly. When this weeping hole gets blocked, the pump won’t work properly. So, if there’s a clog in the weeping hole, it’s important to clear it out.
- Think About the Pump Size – If your sump pump is not the right size for your space, it won’t be able to handle the large amounts of water coming its way. If this keeps happening to you, it might be a good idea to upgrade to avoid this happening over and over again.
You’ve got this! With a little determination and some hands-on DIY troubleshooting, you should be able to figure out what’s causing your sump pump problem. Dealing with sump pump issues in cold weather is never fun, but remember to prioritize safety above all else. So, take your time, go slow, and carefully assess your situation as you work through each troubleshooting step.
CALL A LICENSED PLUMBER
If you’re still scratching your head, wondering what’s going on, don’t worry! We’re here to help! If you’ve followed these troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, feel free to reach out to us. Our team will professionally diagnose and get your sump pump up and running again. Remember, it’s important to use a licensed plumber to inspect your sump pump and identify any underlying problems correctly and efficiently.
ADDITIONAL SUMP PUMP TIPS
Before we wrap this up, here are a few handy tips to help you keep your sump pump in good shape. If you want to avoid any hiccups, it’s a great idea to make it a habit to give it a quick check every now and then – just to make sure everything is running smoothly and that there are no strange sounds coming from it.
Make sure you keep the area around the sump pump clear of clutter and random items. Remember, when debris and particles build-up, it can lead to clogs and mess with the pump’s function. So, always make sure the sump pump pit lid is securely in place and sealed tight to keep unwanted stuff out. A properly sealed lid will help keep debris from getting into the pit and messing with the pump.
Your plumbing system is like the heart of your home. That’s why it’s important to entrust your home to someone you can rely on. Here at Lebanon Plumbing & Drain, we’ve got you covered. Our customers mean the world to us. We genuinely care about your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Plus, we go the extra mile to ensure you’re 100% satisfied!
You can count on Lebanon Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing troubles! Call us today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!