The Most Common Reasons for Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps are an excellent addition to any home. They help avoid basement flooding, protect you from sewage backup, and may even raise the value of your house. They can, however, fail, as do most things. What causes a sump pump to fail is the damage it is supposed to protect your home from. Understanding why sump pump failures might help you avoid them and protect your house.

How Does It Work?

A sump pump’s operation is straightforward. A sump pump is a device that eliminates water from your property and is usually located in the basement. As it fills with water, the pump activates (via electricity) and pushes the water away from the house’s foundation via piping. When the pump fails (frequently submerged in standing water beneath your home), you may be left with contaminated or still water that can damage your foundation and carry disease.

Typical Sump Pump Failures

Sump pump failure may occur for several reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of sump pump failure.

Power Outage

The most typical cause of sump pump failure is a power interruption caused by extreme weather or a storm your home powers sump pumps, so power outages can be problematic. Since power outages occur randomly, a backup generator is the best method to counteract this.

Inadequate Maintenance

If your pump has stopped working unexpectedly, it needs a good cleaning and quarterly maintenance. To extend the life of your sump pump, you should get it serviced regularly. If your sump pump isn’t operating right now, consider putting a vinegar solution through it and cleaning it out.

A Stuck Switch

A jammed switch is one of the sump pumps’ most prevalent mechanical issues. This issue arises when the pump moves inside the basement, allowing the float to activate the pump. It is also conceivable that some debris may get lodged under the float, rendering it ineffective. This is easily remedied with a bit of cleaning and simple pump adjustments.

Frozen Discharge Pipe

If your sump pump discharge pipe freezes or becomes blocked with debris, water will run back down the pipe and into your basement, resulting in a flood. Although keeping your pipes from freezing is impossible, you may build a specifically discharged line that lets water depart your basement even if the main pipe remains frozen. If your basement floods due to a sump pump failure, contact Bedrock Restoration, and we will gladly assist you.

Poor Installation

Your sump pump is seldom installed incorrectly, but this might be the culprit if you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your pump. Poor installation might cause a variety of problems. These are some frequent installation issues and their solutions:

  • The discharge line’s check valve is not fitted. You’ll hear the pump operating without a check valve, but it won’t be pumping.
  • The discharge line has an improper diameter. Most pumps need a tiny air-relief hole in the line to relieve pressure from the output pipe.
  • The pump is set in sand or gravel. Dirt and gravel may enter your pump, create blockages and damage, and disrupt the float alarm.

Old Age

Years of wear and tear, like other devices, will ultimately lead to the breakdown of your sump pump. A sump pump has an average lifetime of eight to ten years. Although some pumps may last longer, replacing your pump every ten years is suggested to guarantee safety and efficiency. In that case, you always want to start by speaking to your insurance agent about the coverage on your policy.

At Bedrock Restoration, we understand that water damage caused by sump pump failure can be devastating. We provide an experienced team to inspect and assess the damage on your property for insurance claims. Our staff will take detailed photos of the affected areas, creating a comprehensive report with details about the severity of the damage, costs associated with repair or replacement, and the recommended course of action.

What Damages Can Sump Pump Failures Cause

Sump pumps are fantastic tools, but if utilized improperly or without taking the required precautions to avoid failure, you might have a flooded basement and extensive water damage. Don’t be concerned if your house has suffered water damage due to a faulty sump pump. Bedrock Restoration specializes in water damage restoration. Call us, and we’ll dispatch someone to assist with the damage and return your house to normalcy.

With this comprehensive guide, you can learn more about water damage and how to remove the water properly.

Sump Pump Failure: What to Do

A flooded basement or sewage backup is not a pleasant experience! What’s worse is when your sump pump fails to function correctly. With the rainy season coming, you should double-check that your pump is performing as intended. We strongly advise you to take the necessary precautions to avoid future failure. Nevertheless, if it is too late and your sump pump begins to malfunction, read more at Bedrock Restoration to find out what you can do! If the condition worsens, you may need an expert to fix it.

Signs of Sump Pump Failure

There are many reasons for sump pump failure, and you want to do all you can now to avoid it. Also, you always want to start by speaking to your insurance agent about your policy coverage to ensure you are protected in the event of failure. Our team can assist you in talking to your insurance provider and helping you with the best solution if your sump pump fails. We strongly advise hiring a professional or purchasing a new sump pump. Doing so immediately rather than spending hundreds of dollars on water damage later is preferable. So, what are the warning signs? If your sump pump falls into any of these categories, you should have it fixed before the problem worsens:

Clogging

A blocked pump is the most common cause of sump pump failure. Hence it is critical to eliminate the blockage as soon as possible. We strongly advise that you keep an eye on your pump regularly to avoid any buildup of dirt or debris.

Strange Sounds

The more noise from the sump pump pit, the more complex the situation. The motor on your sump pump will stop working as it ages. A rattling motor is an indication that your sump pump is deteriorating.

Your Pump is Getting Older

If you’ve had your pump for seven years, it’s probably time for a replacement. Looking for rust is the easiest way to know. This will assist you in determining when to replace your sump pump. Visible rust in the motor might lead to chemical buildup and, in extreme cases, block your pump.

Constant Flooding

A sump pump’s primary function is to keep your basement from flooding. If you discover your pump is not performing its function of avoiding floods, you have a problem. Let’s get things handled as soon as possible to prevent a much bigger hassle in the future. Before considering obtaining a new one, you may take a few measures.

What Should You Do If Your Sump Pump Fails?

The more constant you are with sump pump maintenance and checking on it, the longer it will survive and prevent failure. But, if it is too late and you suffer floods, you must act quickly. Taking the water out yourself may seem more cost-effective, but we do not suggest it. It is advisable to hire a professional who has the necessary tools and safety equipment to do the work. If the flooding is not too threatening, you may try to repair the source of the water damage and do what you can to dry out the area to avoid mold growth. When your pump malfunctions, follow these steps:

Avoid Clogging

Clogs are the most typical reason for your sump pump failing. You must do all possible to avoid this from occurring. Open the pump lid regularly to inspect for debris and small household items. Cleaning and replacing clogged filters might help the pump last longer.

Examine the Power Source

Power outages are likely during a stormy season. Ensuring your sump pump is constantly powered will keep it from failing. Check your backup battery system regularly and ensure the wire is always connected to an outlet.

Look For Leaks

Indications of outside water or leaks in the discharge pump might assist in determining if replacement or repair is required.

Replace Malfunctioning Float

If filling the sump pit with water is not causing the pump to turn on and off, then this might suggest the defective float has to be replaced.

Fix Your Sump Pump

If the sump pump isn’t too badly broken, you may be able to repair it. It is essential to evaluate the damage first and do everything you can to establish an insurance claim. You want to avoid walking in there and aggravating the situation if you know what to do.

It’s Time to Get Help from the Experts!

Attempting to fix your sump pump on your own might be quite inconvenient. Making it your DIY project might make matters worse if you don’t have the necessary equipment and skills. When water enters your house, it may be quite challenging to remove. That is why our Bedrock Restoration team is here to assist! We recognize that homeowners often confront several risks to their property. We are here to take on problems and give you the pleasure of security, regardless of the danger. Contact us today to get the quality service you deserve.