The sump pump in your home is designed to drain water from your basement out through a discharge pipe. In order to avoid flooding or property damage from malfunctioning equipment, it’s crucial to make sure that your sump pump is properly maintained. We’ve created a list of possible reasons why your sump pump may be failing, and what to do to prevent these from happening. Check it out!
Not Properly Maintained
What many people do not realize is that it is a necessity to have your sump pump thoroughly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Debris and residue form in your sump pump, and if ignored, this can lead to system failure.
Power Outage
Here in Buffalo, NY, we get some pretty wicked storms, which can sometimes result in power outages. If there is a heavy amount of snow or rainfall during a power failure, it very commonly leads to flooded basements throughout the area. The reason for this is that without power, your home’s sump pump is unable to drain any excess water from the home. The key to avoiding this type of equipment failure is by investing in a backup sump for your sump pump. This way, if there is a bad storm and your home loses power, you can use this backup pump to prevent flooding in your basement.
Age
A sump pump’s lifespan can vary, depending on a few factors, including how well you maintain your system. To be safe and to avoid emergency issues, it is recommended that you replace your sump pump every 10 years or so.
Switch Malfunctions
A lot of the time, the reason for sump pump failure is simply that the switch is stuck or jammed. The float inside the sump pump can get lodged against the side of the pump, and can also get jammed from excess debris, which then leads to system failure. These issues can usually be avoided by a routine system cleanse and adjustment.
Clogged Pipe
As we all know, the winter season here in Buffalo, NY can be bone-chilling. If the discharge pipe for your sump pump freezes, or becomes clogged, water will gush right back into your home. To prevent this situation from occurring, you should have a separate line installed that will keep water from flooding into your basement, even if the main pipe is frozen. Putting a grate on the end of the discharge pipe can also help keep debris from getting in and clogging the line.
Overwhelmed Pump
If your sump pump is not the proper size for your home, it often leads to system malfunction and a shortened lifespan. Speaking with a professional before deciding on a sump pump can help guarantee that you choose the correct horsepower and size for your sump pump.
Installed Incorrectly
Although unlikely, it is possible that your sump pump could have been improperly installed. A few things that could have gone wrong during the installation are: neglecting to install a check valve on the line, failure to add an air relief hole, or possibly packing the sump pump into the dirt. All of these factors can directly lead to sump pump failure.
Faulty Part
Another rare possibility is that your sump pump is defective. Our best suggestion to avoid this type of situation is to test your sump pump right after it has been installed to check that it is working properly. In order to ensure safe and proper installation, we recommend calling an expert to help you out with your sump pump.
The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a flooded basement and an emergency service call. Our best tip for Buffalo, NY homeowners is to make yourself aware of these issues, and take all of the preventive measures to avoid sump pump failure.
