A sump pump is designed to accumulate and remove excessive water by pumping it out of basements and crawl spaces, making it a necessary appliance for homes susceptible to flooding. If your sump pump isn’t properly draining, it could lead to serious issues like water damage and foundational problems. Identifying the cause early on can help protect your home from water damage and prevent costly repairs.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some common reasons for sump pump failure and how to troubleshoot the issue to help restore its functionality.
Common Reasons Your Sump Pump Isn’t Draining
Knowing what signs of sump pump failure to look out for is essential for tackling the problem promptly. Several factors could be causing the issue, so knowing how to detect the root of the cause allows you to swiftly take the following steps for repair to help avoid a bigger problem. Here are some common reasons your sump pump may not be draining:
A Clogged or Frozen Discharge Pipe
The discharge pipe efficiently removes accumulated water from the sump pit. If the line is clogged or has frozen over, it won’t be able to do its job adequately. Dirt, debris, rodents, rocks, and more can clog it. It can also freeze over if it is situated above the frost line.
Old Age
Every household appliance has a general lifespan. If your sump pump has reached the end of its typical life of roughly 10 years, it could fail to run efficiently.
An Overworked Device
An overworked sump pump will face a lot of wear and tear. If yours has been running constantly, it could fail to drain due to damaged parts such as a burned-out motor, a stuck switch, or a broken valve.
Not Enough Water in the Sump Pit
To operate efficiently, there must always be a certain amount of water in the sump pit while the system operates. If your system runs with no water in the put, it was likely installed incorrectly or is not linked correctly to a drainage system.
Power Supply Issues
Like any other appliance, your sump pump needs reliable power to function properly. Tripped breakers, overloaded circuits, and faulty electrical connections are some underlying electrical issues that can lead to a malfunctioning sump pump.
Helpful Troubleshooting Tips
First, always check the power supply to ensure proper connection. If this isn’t the issue, turn off the power to your sump pump and inspect its components, including the check valve, impeller, and discharge lines, to ensure they work efficiently. Remove any dirt and debris from your sump pump’s parts, including the sump pit, that could hinder its performance. If none of these troubleshooting tips work, it’s time to schedule professional sump pump services with a team of experts.
Schedule Sump Pump Repairs With Goode Plumbing Today
Founded in 2007, Goode Plumbing offers top-notch same-day and 24/7 emergency services in the Chicago North Side. Backed by integrity and a commitment to complete customer satisfaction, our licensed and insured team will deliver fast and reliable results. We also provide upfront pricing with 0% financing for a stress-free experience.
Keep your home equipped to fight the elements by scheduling quality sump pump solutions today!
