Sump pumps in Southern Highlands, and almost everywhere else, is a very crucial aspect of a home’s plumbing because it removes excess groundwater. When a home gets too much ground water you home could flood, but sump pumps prevent this from happening. If you have ever had water damage in Southern Highlands or anywhere else, you will understand why sump pumps are vital. If a pump comes to a halt or is unable to turn off, residents can typically fix this problem themselves. During months of increased down pour and flooding is almost inevitable, that is why it is a good idea to examine a sump pump on a very frequent basis to ensure it’s operating properly.
You can maintain your pump by having it inspected by a professional plumber, and keeping the pump clean and the well free of debris. Feel free to call Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing if you have questions about how to maintain a sump pump, or to make an appointment for an annual inspection and professional cleaning.
Most issues can be repaired easily and without much plumbing maintenance from a professional. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you solve minor issues with your pump.
Check for Electrical Problems
Always check to make sure the sump pump is fully plugged in and that there aren’t any fuses that have burned out. If there is standing water in the basement, you should take extra precautions when handling any electrical equipment, even a plug. Call a plumber or electrician for advice if you have any safety concerns.
Check the Float Switch
Just like the float in a toilet tank, the float attached to the side of your sump pump acts as a guide for turning the pump on and off. This is called the float switch, and it usually has a large bulb or other floatation device attached to a metal arm. This float detects the water level inside the well, and it turns the pump on when the water reaches a certain height in the well.
If the pump is plugged in and there are no blown circuits, move the float switch up and down to see if it will turn the pump on. Debris can get trapped underneath the float causing it to stick. If the motor is constantly running, this switch may be stuck in the “on” position if debris is lodged underneath it, or if there’s substantial corrosion.
You can actually move the entire pump around to change the position if there’s no apparent debris causing the issue. Sometimes the pump gets shifted around slightly, and the float switch cannot work properly if the pump isn’t plumb or level. Be careful not to move it too much, since it could damage the drain line attached to the pump motor.
If your motor is constantly running, and none of these steps work, the motor could overheat and stop working. Unplug the pump while you’re investigating the problem, and if none of these steps work, call a professional plumber.
Check for Clogged Filters
In addition to causing issues with the float switch, debris trapped in the screen can also cause the motor to overheat or shut down. If your filter is dirty, try to get out as much of the debris as possible, but if this doesn’t solve the issue, you could have a clogged drain line. In this case, you will need to call a professional plumber to snake out the line.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
You can prevent issues with the sump pump in your Southern Highlands home with a few preventative maintenance tasks. Keep debris from falling into the well as much as possible, and clean out any particles that could clog the screen or affect the operation of the float switch. Occasionally inspect the pump and well for any corrosion or other concerns. If you are comfortable with the operation of your pump, drain and clean the entire well and pump at least once a year.
Lastly, call a qualified technician at Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing for a yearly sump pump maintenance visit.
