Homeowners hoping to avoid calling a plumbing contractor should make sure their sump pumps are in good working order. These mechanical devices efficiently pump excess water out of your home into a drainage system any time it rains or you experience a plumbing failure. When sump pumps fail, basements can flood, creating the perfect environment for mold and other bacteria. Prevention is key, so consider these common reasons sump pumps stop working.
5 Reasons Sump Pumps Fail
- Improper Installation
A plumbing contractor should carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation, but mistakes do happen. For example, sump pumps should never be installed in a pit filled with sand or gravel, as the debris can interfere with its operation. Additionally, holes must be drilled to exact dimensions in the discharge lines, or air pressure will build up.
- Power Failure
Sump pumps require electricity to operate. Avoid failure due to a power outage by investing in a backup generator for your sump pump. If the power failure is internal to the device, consider repairs or a replacement.
- Neglected Maintenance
Sump pumps need maintenance performed just like any mechanical device. That includes cleaning the discharge lines, replacing the batteries every two or three years, and testing the system every three months. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended maintenance.
- Stuck Switch
The vibrations from a sump pump’s operations can cause the float switch to shift or become disabled. Periodically secure your device’s position inside the basin housing to make sure there are no obstructions to the switch or float arm.
- Wrong Size
Sump pumps can be either too small or too big based on the amount of moisture they must manage, not on the size of the house or basement they’re located in. To determine capacity, measure the amount of water that drains into the basin on a rainy day. You should also ask your plumbing contractor for their recommendation.
Total Mechanical Systems, LLC is Plainville, CT’s leading provider of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. Whether you need someone to install or repair your sump pump, help you with a bathroom remodel, or clogged pipe, their plumbing contractors can help. Call (860) 314-1518 to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information on their services.
