Easy Ways to Troubleshoot a Sump Pump
One of the most common problems Restorex Disaster Restoration sees in our line of work is flooded basements and flooded crawlspaces due to sump pumps that aren’t working. If you have a basement or crawlspace, a sump pump is an integral part of what keeps your home dry, clean and safe. Read more about How sump pumps work.
When a sump pump stops working it can lead to significant water damage that can be expensive to clean up. If you find out that your sump pump isn’t working there are a few easy steps you can take, before calling a professional, that may save you a lot of money. Here is a quick video showing 6 tips you should know about your sump pump.
3 Easy Steps to help you with your sump pump
Step 1- Check the Power Source
Step 2- Check the Sump Pit for Debris
Step 3- Check the Sump Pump Float
Step 1- Check the Power Source
Sump pumps are plugged into a standard outlet. Make sure that no one has unplugged the sump pump in order to plug something else in. (You may laugh but we see it all the time…) Also, make sure that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped for one reason or another.
(For example: Someone plugs a vacuum cleaner into the same circuit breaker as the sump pump. The additional power overloads it and as a result it trips.)
At that point you just need to reset the circuit breaker and the sump pump will kick back on. In both scenarios you can easily avoid costly water damage by doing some investigation on your own.
Step 2- Check the Sump Pit for Debris
Basement mechanical rooms, where sump pumps are usually located, are notorious for becoming storage areas. (You know who you are…) Since many sump pits don’t have a cover, contents can fall into the pit and block the pump or the drain line from operating properly.
This can happen without you even knowing about it. If your pump isn’t working, clear a path and shine a flashlight into the pit. Make sure the pump and the drain line are clear of debris. If there is something wedged in there, unplug your pump, reach down and fetch it out.
It’s a lot less expensive for you to do it than a licensed plumber charging 200 dollars an hour. (I know, it’s amazing how much plumbers make.)
Step 3- Check the Sump Pump Float
There have been so many instances over the years where a homeowner will realize their sump pump isn’t working, frantically call several plumbers who are delayed in getting there and have to watch helplessly as their basement and contents flood right in front of their eyes.
When the plumber finally arrives, he simply giggles the float and the pump kicks back on. It is at that moment that the homeowner realizes that the water damage could have easily been avoided by simply checking the float.
Sump pump floats are notorious for getting stuck, particularly when the pump is experiencing a heavy volume of water, like during a storm. If the float is stuck, the pump won’t turn on and the result can be disastrous. An easy giggle may save you some serious jingle. (I don’t know if that one makes sense but I’m going with it anyway.)
If you realize your sump pump isn’t working use these 3 easy steps to troubleshoot your problem before calling a professional. It may save you from having to get to know Restorex Disaster Restoration on a first name basis. (We’re pretty nice guys but if we’re in your house it means something has went seriously wrong…)
NEED HELP WITH WATER DAMAGE? CALL (317) 315-5071
