Sump pumps are essential for keeping your basement dry and free of water damage. But even the best sump pumps can experience problems from time to time. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Here are some common sump pump problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Problem 1: Sump Pump Won’t Turn On
If your sump pump won’t turn on, the first thing you should do is check the power source. Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. If the power source is fine, the next step is to check the float switch. The float switch is the device that triggers the sump pump to turn on when the water level reaches a certain height. Make sure the float switch is working properly and not stuck in the “off” position.
If the float switch is working properly, the problem may be with the sump pump itself. Check the impeller, which is the part of the pump that moves the water. If it is clogged or jammed, it could be preventing the pump from turning on. You can try to clear the debris from the impeller, but if it doesn’t work, you may need to replace the impeller.
Problem 2: Sump Pump is Making Loud Noises
If your sump pump is making loud noises, it could be a sign of a problem with the motor. Check the motor to make sure it is securely mounted and free of debris. If the motor is loose or clogged, it can cause the pump to vibrate and make loud noises. You can try to tighten the mounting bolts or clear the debris, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the motor.
Another possible cause of loud noises is a damaged impeller. If the impeller is cracked or broken, it can cause the pump to make loud noises. You can try to repair the impeller, but if it is too damaged, you may need to replace it.
Problem 3: Sump Pump is Overflowing
If your sump pump is overflowing, it could be a sign of an obstruction. Check the inlet and outlet pipes to make sure they are free of debris. If the pipes are clogged, it can cause the pump to overflow. You can try to clear the debris from the pipes, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace them.
Another possible cause of overflowing is a faulty float switch. If the float switch is stuck in the “on” position, the pump will continue to run even when the water level is low. You can try to adjust the float switch, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.
Problem 4: Sump Pump is Not Pumping Enough Water
If your sump pump is not pumping enough water, the first thing you should check is the impeller. Make sure the impeller is not clogged or jammed. If it is, you can try to clear the debris, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the impeller.
Another possible cause of low water flow is a faulty check valve. The check valve is the device that prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit. If the check valve is stuck in the “open” position, it can cause the pump to not pump enough water. You can try to adjust the check valve, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.
Problem 5: Sump Pump is Cycling On and Off
If your sump pump is cycling on and off, it could be a sign of a problem with the float switch. The float switch is the device that triggers the sump pump to turn on when the water level reaches a certain height. Make sure the float switch is working properly and not stuck in the “on” position. You can try to adjust the float switch, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.
Another possible cause of cycling is a damaged impeller. If the impeller is cracked or broken, it can cause the pump to cycle on and off. You can try to repair the impeller, but if it is too damaged, you may need to replace it.
Conclusion
Sump pumps are essential for keeping your basement dry and free of water damage. But even the best sump pumps can experience problems from time to time. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can diagnose and fix common sump pump problems.