5 Common Sump Pump Problems (and Solutions!)

Sump pumps are an integral component of keeping many homes safe and comfortable to live in. While you may not need them on a regular basis, sump pumps are the first line of defense against basement flooding and water damage.

However, even the most well-maintained sump pump can run into problems, and it can be a stressful experience if you don’t know what to look for or how to fix the issue. This article will discuss some of the most common sump pump problems that homeowners run into and how to solve them to keep your home dry and safe from dangerous water levels.

Continue reading below to learn why National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. should be your first call when looking for reliable residential restoration services.

5 Common Sump Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

If your sump pump isn’t working correctly, it can cost you expensive water damage bills. Fortunately, keeping an eye on the most common problems with sump pumps can prevent you from running into significant issues in the future. Here are some of the most common ways a sump pump might malfunction.

Clogged Discharge Line

A clogged discharge line is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure. The discharge line connects the sump pit to the outdoors, and if it becomes clogged, the entire system will shut down, causing water to collect in your basement.

Various objects can obstruct your sump pump discharge line, including dirt, garbage, and other foreign objects, so routine cleaning and covering your discharge line with a screened vent cap or grate are two of the best things you can do to prevent the line from becoming clogged. If your discharge line has become clogged due to freezing temperatures, you can use insulation or heat tape to keep the line warm.

Power Loss

Your sump pump is like any other electric appliance in your home in that it requires power to operate. However, a sump pump can lose power for various reasons: a tripped circuit breaker, an unplugged pump, or a power outage.

If your property is subjected to frequent power outages, consider investing in a high-quality backup sump pump as a precaution. Suppose your electricity goes out during a storm. In that case, high-capacity battery backups can assist you in battling floodwaters and alert you to ensure that you are aware of when your property is at risk.

Overloaded Sump Pump

Another common cause of sump pumps malfunctioning is due to overloading. Based on the sump pump you have, it’s quite easy to overwork the system. If you think your sump pump is showing signs of being overworked, it might be time to update your system or install multiple sump pumps.

Because sump pump capacities are measured in horsepower, you must know how much horsepower your property needs based on various factors such as the depth of your basement, temperature, the size of the sump pit, and the likelihood of flooding. If you are unsure about what type of sump pump your property needs, consulting with a professional can help you choose the best sump pump for your needs.

No Water in Sump Pit

If your sump pump appears to be running, but no water is entering the sump pit, this is usually the result of an improper installation of a pump or one that isn’t connected to a drainage system.

The drainage system is responsible for collecting water and channeling it into the sump pump pit. If the drain tile becomes clogged or collapses, the water will not be adequately diverted. If the drain tile is laid incorrectly, it will not channel water into the sump pit, causing the same problem. Even with the best sump pump, keeping your basement dry will be a big challenge in either instance.

To address this issue, you’ll need to inspect your drainage system and ensure it’s properly installed. If you can’t locate the source of the problem, hiring a professional maintenance company to inspect your sump pump and install a drainage system is your best solution.

Poor Installation

Lastly, if your sump pump is performing inefficiently and you’re still searching for what the problem might be, it’s possible your pump was installed incorrectly. A poorly installed sump pump can result in a significant reduction in performance and, in some instances, can result in complete system failure.

For example, if you hear your sump pump’s motor running but don’t see water pumping, it’s possible the technician didn’t place a check valve on the discharge line when installing your sump pump. Without a check valve on your sump pump, a backflow of water can cause the pump impeller to spin backward, resulting in the motor shaft unscrewing.

Make sure that your sump pump is installed correctly. If you think your sump pump was not installed correctly, you must have it reinstalled by a professional at your earliest convenience.

Contact Our Team of Water Damage Restoration Specialists Today

Staying ahead of problems before they occur is one of the best ways to prevent more problematic issues. In the event of an emergency, however, having a water damage restoration service you can call can help prevent you from paying for more costly repairs in the future.

National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. understands that water damage requires immediate attention and repair to prevent further harm from occurring to your property.

With resources like fans, portable refrigerant dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, and truck-mounted desiccant dehumidifiers, we are equipped to tackle any water restoration problem you might encounter.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about our water damage restoration and remediation services, contact National Catastrophe Restoration, Inc. at (800) 598-6274 to speak with one of our restoration specialists about how we can help you.