Sump pump failure fixes

Identifying signs your sump pump is failing

A properly functioning sump pump is crucial for redirecting water away from your living spaces and preventing flooding and water damage. There are several key signs that a sump pump may be failing:

• Strange noises - Listen for odd humming, grinding or loud churning coming from the sump pit. This often signals issues with the impeller or motor.
• Infrequent operation - Your sump pump should regularly cycle on and off. If it stays off for extended periods, this may indicate inefficiency due to a stuck or broken float switch.
• Intermittent cycling - Frequent on/off cycling every few minutes may mean your pump is too small and is overworking, or debris is blocking the intake screen.
• Visible rust and corrosion - Check pump housing, float rod and discharge pipe for rust spots or scale buildup which decreases performance.

Ignoring these signs can lead to sump pump-related risks in your home, exposing them to the threat of flooding, structural damage, mould complications and pricey repairs. Call a professional plumber promptly if you notice any of these sump pump problems arising.

What happens if a sump pump fails?

When sump pump functioning ceases, it can no longer pump water out of the sump pit and away from your home. This elevates the water level in the pit swiftly, especially during heavy rain or snow melts. If the pit overflows, it can cause water back up into your basement through the drain tile system, resulting in water damage to your basement.

In the event of a pump failure, it can culminate in costly damages if it remains unresolved. Other potential effects include erosion, water heater failure, and complications with the drainage system.

Excess moisture not only supports rampant mold mildew expansion on walls and floors, compromising the air quality of your home, but it can also damage your valuables. It can become a significant risk to the structural integrity of your foundation over time.

To protect your home’s interior, act immediately at the first sign of failure to remove water from your basement. In such a situation, your sump pump remediation steps should include: Recruit a professional plumber to precisely pinpoint the issue and get your sump pump operational swiftly, which goes a long way to prevent irreversible harm to your household.

Immediate actions to take if your sump pump fails

If you suspect your sump pump’s performance is compromised, take these critical actions immediately:

1. Turn off electricity to the pump at the breaker if water levels in the sump are high and there’s a risk of wires being immersed. This safeguard will ensure spillovers into the sump cannot lead to electrical hazards.
2. Employ strategies like using a wet/dry vacuum or submersible pump to evacuate excess water from the sump and reduce the spread of flooding. Be very careful of outlets and cords.
3. Inspect the pump wires, discharge lines, inlet screen, air relief hole, and moving parts for any reason the pump stops functioning suddenly. Check for clogs or jams that may have caused the pump to stop working.
4. Move any valuable items or furniture out of flooding danger zones in the basement.
5. If your sump pump malfunctions, Contact Cherrybrook Plumbing for prompt diagnosis and repair. Fast response can mitigate damage.
6. Consider water extraction services if much water flooding has already occurred in the basement or crawl space.

Taking quick action when a sump pump fails is crucial, as timely action gives plumbers a chance to resolve the issue before it causes lasting damage. Facing uncertainty, Never hesitate to call in the experts when pump problems arise.

Potential causes of sump pump failure

Some of the most common reasons sump pumps falter include:

• Power outages - If a power outage occurs and you notice your sump pump stopped running, it may be time to consider a battery backup system. Frequent power outages are a known cause of sump pump failures, leading to flooding.
• Improper installation - Mistakes during installation like uneven placement, wrong pump size, or poor pipe positioning can lead to premature failure.
• Mechanical failures - Internal parts like impellers, motors and switches wear out over time. Bearings malfunctioning could cause pump failure due to jammed impellers.
• Lack of maintenance - Not cleaning debris from the sump pit and intake screen regularly can clog pumps causing them to burn out.
• End of lifespan - Like all machines, sump pumps eventually wear out from constant use. Most last more than 7-10 years before needing replacement.

Should your sump pump stop working suddenly, contact Cherrybrook Plumbing for a thorough evaluation and necessary repair or replacement.

Preventing sump pump failure

There are several key steps you can take to help prevent sump pump failure:

1. Keep your sump pump in optimal condition by performing regular maintenance and clearing debris from the sump pit and intake screen to avoid clogs.
2. During inspection: examine pump cables, float switch, discharge pipe, and power source for any damage. Replace worn parts to guarantee continuous pump run.
3. Perform monthly checks by pouring water into the sump pit to confirm the pump activates automatically.
4. A battery backup is essential to keep your sump pump running even during power outages, regardless of the water levels in the pit.
5. Consider upgrading to a higher horsepower, industrial grade pump if your existing one can’t keep up.
6. Have Cherrybrook Plumbing annually service your pump to maximise longevity.

Proactive check-ups can reveal sump pump issues before they result in complete failure. Understanding what you need know about sump pump care significantly extends its lifespan to over 10 years. Protect your house now against flooding by scheduling a sump pump inspection.

Installing a backup sump pump

A backup sump pump is vital for when your primary pump fails, particularly during power outages. Select a backup pump equipped with a battery system to ensure operation during power failures.

Consider an equal horsepower backup to your existing pump so it can move water at the same rate. Alternatively, select a slightly more powerful one to provide extra protection without overburdening your system. Position it at the opposite side of the sump pit for reliable operation.

Always get professional help installing backup pumps. Proper positioning and discharge line connection is key so both pumps don’t work against each other when activated. Our Cherrybrook Plumbing experts can recommend and fit the ideal backup pump to reliably protect your home.

Following a sump pump maintenance schedule

Adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule is key to preventing sump pump failure and flooding. Cherrybrook Plumbing recommends DIY homeowners follow this basic yearly plan:

• Clear debris from sump pit monthly to prevent clogging
• Test pump operation every 2 months by pouring water into the pit
• Inspect pump wires, float switch and pipes twice a year for damage
• Make sure to replace worn parts like the check valve or seals promptly

To keep your home safe, contact Cherrybrook Plumbing to schedule an annual sump pump servicing. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect all systems, ensure proper installation, identify potential issues early and recommend backup pump solutions if needed.

Well-maintained sump pumps can last over 10 years. Don’t wait for a failure. Establish a maintenance schedule immediately and understand pump wear to prolong service life.

Seeking professional help for flooding issues

If a failed sump pump has led to a flooded basement, Immediate and correct installation of a new sump pump is crucial to prevent further damage to your property. Cherrybrook Plumbing offers complete water damage restoration services to extract all excess water and begin the drying process.

Our technicians employ commercial-grade equipment to remove any standing water. We then use moisture metres and hygrometers to check for any remaining dampness behind walls or under materials. If needed, we’ll bring in dehumidifiers and fans to circulate air until fully dry.

For long-term protection, Cherrybrook Plumbing also installs new, correctly sized sump pump systems. We determine drainage requirements, create backup power solutions, and ensure proper positioning to avoid future flooding. Our experienced plumbers are fully equipped to manage all your sump pump installation and flood damage requirements.

Don’t wait to call us at 1300 349 338 or email - fast action reduces repair costs and permanent home damage after basement flooding. Contact us today at Cherrybrook Plumbing; we are on standby to assist you any time, day or night.