When a storm causes rainwater to flood the basement of your home, you want it to be quickly drained. This is where a sump pump comes in handy.
If your pump stops working, it’s time to call a licensed plumber for repair services. A trained plumbing professional can help you determine if the problem lies with the battery or with the sump pump itself.
Power Outage
A sump pump is installed in your basement to keep water away from the foundation and prevent flooding. Typically, these pumps use electricity to operate.
Power outages can occur for a number of reasons, such as storms that bring down trees or poles, which can interfere with electrical equipment. Lightning can also strike power lines and poles, causing outages.
It’s important to have a backup generator that can be manually activated in case of a power outage. You can also protect yourself from a potential power surge by installing service entrance surge protection devices and unplugging any appliances that use electricity.
It’s also wise to have your sump pump serviced by a professional at least once per year. This will ensure that any issues with your system are caught before they cause major problems.
Damaged Battery
In the event of a power outage, it is always a good idea to have a backup sump pump that can help prevent basement flooding. The certified Columbus plumbers at Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can install a battery backup system that will provide superior protection against flooding and water damage in your home.
If your sump pump battery is starting to show signs of wear and tear, the certified Cleveland electricians at Dahme Mechanics Industries can replace it. The experienced technicians will replace the battery with a new unit that is compatible with your current system.
Your local INFINITI retailer can perform a complimentary inspection of your battery to help you determine if it is still performing at its best. Your INFINITI expert will check your battery for problems such as clicking when trying to start the engine, slow turnover or other indicators that indicate it is time for a replacement.
Low Battery Levels
If you aren’t careful, your sump pump battery can quickly deplete and need to be replaced. This can cause a number of problems.
The most common problem is that the battery is no longer providing enough power to run the pump. This is caused by improperly connected batteries or corrosion in the wires.
This is a major issue that can lead to serious damage and flooding in your basement. It can also increase your insurance premiums and even destroy valuable family heirlooms.
A sump pump is an essential part of a basement flood protection system. A submersible pump sits inside of the sump pit and has a float switch that activates when water levels rise to a certain height.
Damaged Motor
If your sump pump doesn’t operate properly, it could be due to a damaged motor. This can happen when the impeller becomes choked by debris, which causes it to suck up water instead of discharge it away.
Another reason the motor may have failed is because of a worn or damaged bearing. If you notice a grinding noise when the pump runs, this may indicate a broken bearing.
Loud sounds coming from your sump pit are also a sign that the pump is nearing its end of life. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent these noises from occurring, including cleaning the pump regularly.
You can also check your pump’s performance by pouring a bucket of water into the pit until it floats and watching to see if the float switch activates the pump. If it doesn’t, it may be time for a new pump.
