A sump pump is one of the most important parts of your home’s plumbing system. It prevents basement flooding and helps keep your home safe and dry.
You should always get a sump pump that is sized accurately for your basement and potential flooding area. You can find that information on the pump’s packaging.
Battery Backup System
If you’re having problems with your sump pump, it may be time to replace it. A faulty sump pump can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation and interior, so it’s important to have a professional plumber work on it as soon as possible.
A battery backup sump pump can help to ensure that your basement stays dry even if your primary sump pump experiences a problem. It automatically kicks on whenever your primary pump loses power, and it works around clogged primary pumps to help drain water away from your basement.
Having a battery backup system in your home can also protect your electronics from power outages. They can be easily topped up with electricity when the grid is functioning, so they’ll always have power when you need it.
Clogged Discharge Line
A clogged discharge line is a common problem that prevents your sump pump from working. This problem occurs when the discharge pipe, also known as a drain pipe, becomes blocked by debris and gunk.
To clean your discharge pipe, you need a plumber’s snake and a hose with a high-pressure nozzle. Using these supplies should help clear the clog enough for the sump pump to run properly again.
If the plumber’s snake doesn’t remove the clog, spray water into the pipe again and repeat the process. If the clog remains, it may be time to call in the professionals for a full sewer line cleaning.
The quickest and most cost-effective way to protect your home systems and appliances is to get a home warranty. There are 3 plans to choose from, each with differing levels of system and appliance coverage.
Stuck Float Switch
If you find that your sump pump keeps running nonstop, it may have a stuck float switch. The float switch is the device that triggers the sump pump when water rises in your pit.
To replace the float switch, you will need to disconnect the wires leading into the float switch from the pump. This can be done by using a multimeter.
Once you’ve disconnected the wires, you can then locate the float switch and unscrew it. This will allow you to get a closer look at the wiring inside the float switch.
Once you have inspected the wires, it is time to remove the sump pump and swap out the old float switch with a new one. Before you start, make a diagram of the wires that connect to the float switch.
Life Expectancy
Generally speaking, sump pumps can last between 7 and 10 years if they are properly installed and maintained. During that time, however, they will need to be regularly serviced and cleaned.
A sump pump can only work properly if it is sized correctly for the amount of water it needs to draw up and pump out. It can also only work efficiently if the motor is engaged properly and it is connected to the proper piping.
If a sump pump is undersized, it will not be able to pull enough water out of the pit to keep the basement dry. It may even begin to overwork and wear out.
The lifespan of a sump pump can be prolonged by installing a battery backup system. These are easy to install and will give you some peace of mind in the event that your main sump pump should fail during a storm or power outage. Many of these systems are designed with surge protection, making them less likely to get damaged by high-powered fluctuations during a power outage.
