Do you have a basement? If you do, the chances are that your worst nightmare regarding plumbing issues is walking in on a flooded basement. A sump pump is essential to protect a house from getting flooded. Apart from this, they come in handy when trying to lift water from storage tanks present underground.
It doesn’t matter what functions a sump pump performs; the fact is that it is quite an integral element of the plumbing system. Therefore, any sump pump failures are quite inconvenient for homeowners. The sad news is that such malfunctions are widespread.
Here are some of the reasons why your sump pump may stop functioning.
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Improper size of the pump
Your sump pump needs to lift a huge quantity of water, both in the case of flooding or when you are moving water from the underground storage tank. Here, if the pump does not have the horsepower to perform this function, the sump pump’s performance may get strained. The pump gets overheated and undergoes wear and tear. As a result, it can lead to a reduction in the lifespan of the pump. This often occurs if the pump is too small.
Does this mean that a large sump pump won’t undergo this problem? There is no guarantee. Any pump, regardless of its size, can burnout. But, the chances increase when the size of the pump does not align with the task the pump is intended for.
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Wrong installation
A lot of sump pump failures arise from improper installation. Commonly, people do a DIY project out of it. Unfortunately, following the manufacturer’s manual for instructions does not ensure that the sump pump is installed correctly. And when the pump is wrongly installed, it won’t function properly. Therefore, it is advised that you opt for quality plumbing services around you to ensure that the installation occurs smoothly. Do your research. Search for Top plumbers near me. Filter out options you don’t think are up to par. Compare the rest in terms of price, experience, license, guarantees, and services offered. It might seem like an easy task. But, taking professionals aboard to do it for you ensures that the sump pump does not fail.
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No check valve present on the discharge line
A check valve helps to prevent the water against flowing in the wrong direction. This is often called backflow. It occurs when the pressure of the water is too much for the pump to withstand. It may also occur if the sump pump is not performing properly. In the latter scenario, the lack of a check valve is often a driving factor. When a check valve is not present, nothing is stopping the water from going back into the motor line, thereby causing damage to it.
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No air relief hole present in the discharge line
Another element that might be missing or may get damaged in a sump pump is air relief holes. When you start the pump, there is air present in the discharge pipe that needs to be removed. The motor has to perform this function. In the absence of air relief holes, this responsibility is shouldered by the motor. This puts a strain on the pump, which may become overheated. To overcome this issue, air relief holes can easily be drilled into the discharge pipe to let go of the excess air pressure that may exist in the discharge line.
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The switch doesn’t work
A sump pump comes with an On/Off switch. Most switches present on sump pumps operate by making use of afloat. Sometimes an obstruction may restrict the float from turning the switch on and off. This can cause the sump pump to fail. The good news is that the problem can easily be rectified by cleaning the obstruction that is preventing the float from functioning correctly.
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Lack of maintenance
While it is true that sump pumps don’t require much maintenance, this doesn’t mean that they don’t require maintenance at all. Instead, you must take time out, at least once every three months, to clean the pump and check its condition. Make use of the pump manual to see what elements you should be paying attention to. For proper maintenance, remove present calcification through the use of vinegar solutions. Check the discharge line, float, and motor to make sure that they are working correctly. Without doing these steps, the problems will bundle up, eventually causing the pump to break down.
Final thoughts
Sump pumps may often be neglected by you. But, they deserve attention and care. In case you are unable to detect why the sump pumps you install are failing, consult professional plumbers. This way, you would know what to do to prevent floods in your house.
