Most Common Problems Befalling Sump Pumps

Problems With Your Sump Pump?

Your sump pump is a unique part of your drainage system, in that, in the best-case scenario, you’ll never need to use it. Nevertheless, in the case of emergencies, it can be an indispensable tool that prevents costly water damage. It does this by removing flood waters from your basement and rerouting them to a drain pipe or dry well via a discharge pipe. This, of course, only occurs when your sump pump has been well maintained and kept free of mechanical errors.

In our mission to maintain the sump pumps across the GTA, we’ve seen our fair share of issues afflicting this particular machine. We’ve seen and repaired old, new, good and bad sump pumps during our many years of operation. Below are some of the four most common problems that our plumbers have encountered.

Power Failure

Like any other appliance in your home, your sump pump relies on electricity to operate. Unfortunately, you’re more likely to rely on your sump pump when the power goes out. Bad weather that results in flooding can often lead to power failures, which renders your pump completely useless. Without power, it won’t be able to reroute the extra water away from your basement. During a maintenance appointment, our plumbers will suggest that you back up your sump pump with a generator so it can still do its job when the power goes out.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes always spell trouble when it comes to your plumbing and drainage system, and it’s no different for your sump pump. When cold weather freezes the discharge pipe, your sump pump is incapable of drawing water away from your home. More immediately, it will cause back flow to flood your basement. Our plumbers can install a specialty discharge line that allows excess water to flow away from your home even if the main pipe freezes.

Caught Switch

In order to keep your basement clear of flood waters, your sump pump relies on a float switch that activates the pump once water reaches a certain level. Sometimes, when the pump is in operation, it can cause the float to shift within its basin. During the commotion, the switch can get stuck and disrupt the machine’s ability to tell when water has reached its safe threshold. Routine maintenance that includes intricate cleaning can keep the switch free.

Overwhelmed Pump

Sump pumps are chosen for their basin size and horsepower. The right balance will make for a long-lasting appliance that can keep up with the demands of your household. Unfortunately, the right size or power isn’t always chosen. Typically, 1/3 horsepower is required to prevent a flood, as it’s capable of pumping 132 liters a minute; however, the horsepower that you need depends on where your home is in relation to the water table.

Questions Regarding Your Sump Pump?

To find out if your sump pump has the necessary horsepower, schedule an appointment with our expert plumbers.  During their assessment, they’ll check for its switch, discharge pipe, and backup power too. Their thorough inspection will determine if your sump pump is up to the task of protecting your home. If it isn’t, they’ll perform the necessary repairs to make sure your sump pump is running smoothly.