Broken Sump Pumps Could Lead To Major Flooding Disasters
The sump pump is the heart of any house’s waterproofing system. If it does not run smoothly, excess water cannot be effectively drained and will build up in your basement area, causing untold damage. Sump pump failure may happen from time to time and the best way to reduce the risk of expensive damage caused by flooding is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines carefully.
Problems can result from a number of causes, including motor burn-out or a broken control switch, but the most common cause of failure is blockage due to debris, dirt or other objects. As debris builds up it will cause an obstruction in the inlet screen that will begin to decrease and eventually prevent the pump’s ability to drain the sump, resulting in an overflow. The inlet screen is capable of removing small fragments of waste materials along with the water but not larger particles. These, together with the residue of grit and other debris are what cause the eventual blockage.
Although not a pleasant task, regular cleaning of your sump pump is a necessity. The frequency of maintenance will depend on the location of the property. If your pump has to run frequently due to a higher water table, drainage requirements or climate conditions, you should inspect and clean out your pump several times a year. In normal conditions, an annual maintenance check and clean-out should be sufficient.
Wearing rubber gloves, you should first remove all the dirt, grit, sand and other debris that has collected. After that you need to flush out the pump with clean water using a garden hose. As it fills with water, the float will rise and trigger pumping action, to signify that all is well. If the float rises but the system fails to start, a more thorough inspection is required.
It is advisable to keep the manufacturer’s manual handy so you can check the troubleshooting guidelines yourself, before calling out a plumbing expert. You may need to perform a basic check on the electrical system by unplugging it and testing the outlet with an appliance which you know works. Your manual may advise you to reset the motor to make sure it has not burnt out, which sometimes happens when it has continued to run while obstructed. Alternatively, the fault may be with the float switch and simply require a cleaning of the contacts.
With the help of your manual, you should be able to identify the problem and fix it yourself. However, with regular careful maintenance, your sump pump should work effectively, safeguarding your basement and your possessions from flood damage.
