Causes Of A Sump Pump Failure

A sump pump is used to remove water from your basement, and is installed in the crawlspace or the lowest part of it. It keeps the area dry, preventing flooding.

Recent weather changes have made it necessary to have a sump pump. But what if the sump pump fails when you’re expecting heavy rainfall? No one wants to deal with such a situation. Knowing why it fails can help us maintain our sump pumps.

1.      Wrong size

If your sump pump is too big, it will be forced to work harder as more water is dealt with. This will leave it overwhelmed, resulting in a shorter lifespan. But if it’s too small, it will just not be enough to pump all the water out. This will allow your basement to flood.

This is why you need the right size. Ask a Germantown plumber for advice on what size fits best.

2.      Incorrect installation

Plumbing is not an easy task. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed correctly while installing a sump pump. Otherwise, it will be improperly fit.

Often the check-valve is not installed on the discharge line, resulting in back-flow of water. So the motor keeps running but the pump doesn’t work.

The pump pit is also sometimes set in dirt or gravel which allows debris to enter the pump. This results in interference with the switch or float arm.

3.      Frozen or clogged pipe

If the discharge pipe is frozen or clogged because of debris, water will not flow out. So where does the water go then? It flows back into your basement!

4.      Lack of maintenance

All machines need to be properly maintained for accurate function. Sump pumps are no different. They must be checked by a professional every few months. This ensures that your sump pump is working. Checking that the water is flowing properly and cleaning it every now and then, is all you need to do.

5.      Product fault

Product defect is possible, especially if you’re buying it from an unknown distributor. Always make sure you buy sump pumps from a trusted place. Also remember to check the flow to make sure the pump is properly installed.

Are you facing trouble with your sump pump? Give us a call at 301 540 7586 so we can fix it for you. We specialize in installation, repair and back-up sump pumps service.