Common Sump Pump Problems in Geneva, Wayne & St Charles Illinois
Each season bring its challenges. One thing all seasons have in common here in Illinois is moisture. If it’s not snow in the winter, it’s long downpours of rain. A flooded basement can be an expensive headache when the weather is inclement. However, sometimes bad weather isn’t the only culprit. There could be a plumbing leak. Regardless of the cause, your home’s sump pump is your first line of defense to avoid costly and potentially dangerous basement floods. It is therefore crucial to maintain your sump pump and know when it needs to be replaced in order to avoid a watery mess.
Many things can cause your sump pump to fail. Just like other mechanical devices, sump pumps require a power source. If something disconnects that power source, such as a power outage, your sump pump will not work without a backup source. Sump pumps get old and start to malfunction. In many instances, various circumstances can cause the sump pumps to constantly cycle and they’ll eventually burn out. Sometimes, they’re just poorly installed in the first place. It’s important to safeguard your home against sump pump failure, flooding and subsequent water damage expenses.
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Overworked Sump Pump
Sump pumps come in a variety of sizes. If you have a particularly wet basement, a single sump pump may not be enough for the job. In some cases, your home may even require more than one sump pump placed in different corners. If your sump pump can’t keep up with the amount of water pouring in, especially during large downpours, it’s time to consider upgrading your system. If you’re unsure what sump pump capacity your home will require, contact your MAS Plumbing before your sump pump burns out. We offer 24 hour emergency sump pump service throughout Wayne, Genva and St. Charles Illinois.
Frozen or Clogged Lines
Your home’s unit pumps water directly out of the sump pump pit and expels it through a discharge line. When that line becomes clogged or frozen, the pump will run continuously trying to remove the water and will eventually burn out. You can prevent this by keeping your discharge lines clear and covered. There are products on the market that you can place at the beginning of the line to keep water flowing out of the basement if your line freezes. Other products can be placed at the end of the line to prevent debris from clogging up the line. For more information about these products, contact MAS Plumbing today! We can provide excellent advice to help avoid clogs and protect your sump pump motor.
Power Outage
Flooded basements due to power loss can be caused by storms, tripped circuits, or even from the power cord getting dislodged from the outlet. If you’re away from home at the time, this can result in a real mess. Whatever the reason, the best way to keep the water being pumped out during a power outage is having a high-capacity battery-operated backup system installed. If you travel and are concerned that a power outage may occur while you’re away, look for a pump that can automatically power up if power fails. You’ll also want a long-lasting battery in the event of an extended power outage. Talk to us today. Proudly serving Geneva, Wayne and St. Charles Illinois 24/7.
Clogged Pumps & Stuck Switches
A lot of dirt and debris can collect in the sump pump pit. This can cause clogs over time that may either slow down the pump or stop it entirely. Switches can become stuck which can either keep the unit from powering on or, conversely, keep the unit running non-stop. A sump pump is especially vulnerable if it doesn’t have a lid. If you’re noticing a difference in performance level, it may be time to consider a new sump pump with a sealed lid to prevent debris from clogging up the pump.
Periodic Testing
Try to make it a point to check your sump pump every now and then. Simply pour some water into the pit. You’ll need just enough water to hit the sump pump float to trigger it. Alternatively, if you don’t want to add water, you can simply lift the float. Although be advised that if you’re testing the pump without water, don’t do it for more than a few seconds or you’ll risk damaging the motor.
If you notice your sump pump operating erratically, don’t wait until the next heavy rainfall. Get your sump pump inspected. It could mean the difference between a new sump pump but a dry basement, or a wet basement, water damage… and you’ll still probably need a new sump pump.
