What To Do When a Sump Pump Fails

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A malfunctioning sump pump can cause a residential basement or crawlspace to flood

A malfunctioning sump pump can cause a residential basement or crawlspace to flood. Regularly test the pump at a home in Las Vegas, NV, as it is better to find out that a pump does not work when water is not accumulating on the lowest level of a structure. Here are three steps to take in the event that a pump does not activate or fails to drain water.

Check the Pump Function

The most reliable way to test pump functionality is to run water through the system. Take the following measures to check drainage capabilities:

• Fill the sump pit with water
• Check to see if the float raises
• Make sure the pump activates
  
  

A pump that does not activate as the pit fills may have a bad float switch, blown fuse or tripped breaker. Sump pumps should have a primary and backup power source to prevent storm damage in the event of power failure.

Identify Needed Maintenance
If a pump is slow to drain or is not functional, ensure the basin and drain lines are clear. The check valves on sump pumps tend to fail. Test valve function by pushing this component up and down to ensure it moves freely. More advanced maintenance may require a plumber.

Repair or Replace a Sump Pump
A malfunctioning or broken pump may necessitate professional repairs or replacement. With proper pump maintenance, most sump pumps have an operational life of at least 10 years. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider a column, pedestal, or submersible pump.
If a sump pump is in working condition and connected to reliable primary and backup power sources, the risk of failure should be minimal. The pump should automatically activate and drain water that is backing up into a basement or crawlspace. Contact a plumber if backups remain a problem at a residence in Las Vegas, NV.