Why Is My Sump Pump Not Working?
When your sump pump is not working, it can’t move excess water away from your basement or crawl space. This may lead to water accumulating in your home, creating a flood risk.
So, what should you do if your sump pump is clogged or not turning on? Learn what caused the problem, how to fix it, and how a basement waterproofing expert can help.
Causes of Sump Pump Failure
Learning why your sump pump has stopped working can help you find the right fix. Here are some of the most common reasons why sump pumps fail:
- Dead battery: If a sump pump runs for long periods, such as during a heavy storm, its battery could drain. Your equipment might have a built-in battery indicator so you can see how much power it consumes.
- Electrical outage: Sump pumps running on electricity will switch off if a storm or other event knocks out power. Some products have backup batteries to prevent this from happening.
- Clogged drain: A sump pump system consists of a sump pit that collects water from a drainage system. If the drain becomes clogged with debris or mud, your sump pump might not be able to draw any water from the pit.
- Mechanical failure: Your sump pump’s motor can overheat and break down if it works too hard. This might happen during a big storm or if a leaking pipe near your foundation floods your sump pit.
- Faulty float switch: A float switch detects water in a sump pit and alerts the pump to switch on and off when water reaches a certain level. If the float switch gets jammed in the “on” position, the pump might continue to run, causing its motor to overheat. If the float switch gets stuck in the “off” position, the pump might not turn on.
How To Fix Your Sump Pump
Sometimes, fixing a sump pump is as easy as replacing the battery or restoring the electricity in your home. You might also want to install a backup battery pack to keep your sump pump working during a power outage.
If a mechanical failure or other issue has caused your sump pump to not work, consider bringing in the experts. Fixing this equipment yourself might seem like a simple job, but you could make things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Groundworks can identify the cause of your problem and make repairs based on your needs. This might involve replacing a faulty float switch or other component in your sump pump. If you need a new unit, we can install it for you.
What Can Happen if Your Sump Pump Is Not Working?
The following issues might occur if your sump pump breaks down and you put off repairs:
- Flooding: A broken sump pump can’t channel water from your basement or crawl space, resulting in water accumulation and potential floods.
- Structural damage: Excess water in your home can put strain on your foundation, jeopardizing your home’s framework.
- Mold: Too much water in your basement or crawl space may attract mold, affecting family members with respiratory or other health conditions.
- Pests: When water accumulates in your home, pests are more likely to show up.
- More expensive repairs: Repairing a water-damaged foundation costs more than fixing a broken sump pump.
Groundworks Can Solve Your Sump Pump Woes
Take swift action if your sump pump is not working. When this equipment fails, it can’t remove water from your home, increasing the risk of flooding and foundation damage.
We recommend contacting a professional like Groundworks as soon as you notice a problem with your sump pump. Our team will resolve the issue and ensure your home stays dry.
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