Sump Pumps: Problems and Maintenance

Charlotte sump pump

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of homes in the U.S . have water damage. Sump pumps help prevent water damage problems by pumping away excess water from low-lying spaces like basements and crawl spaces. However, the only good sump pump is a reliable one. Understanding both what can cause sump pump failure and how to maintain sump pumps will keep your basement dry and save you money.

Reasons for Sump Pump Failure

Charlotte sump pumpIf you know why sump pumps fail, you can keep your eyes open for warning signs and take precautions so that you don’t end up ankle-deep in water. Here are the most common reasons for sump pump failure:

Storms. The same storms that bring all those potentially-flooding rains can also lead to power failures. As we mentioned in our Sump Pumps: Things to Know post, having a battery backup pump will ensure that loss of electricity doesn’t mean loss of protection.

Too much water. Oh, the irony—even a sump pump can flood! Different sump pumps work at different power levels; a weak pump might be overwhelmed and not able to keep up with water flow.

Frozen lines. This can occur if the sump pump isn’t buried deep enough or placed at the proper angle (to allow for discharge). Like water lines, sump pump lines can freeze when that 32-degree mark is hit.

Glitchy switch. Float switches can get stuck on the pump side wall, and mechanical pressure switches can fail.

Wrong size or installation. One size does not fit all. A sump pump that is the wrong size or that isn’t installed properly can cause problems.

Old sump pumps. Most sump pumps last about 10 years. Approaching or surpassing the sump pump lifespan increases the likelihood of “old age” failure.

Sump Pump Maintenance

A few sump pump maintenance practices can help you avoid water disasters. Some good practices to adhere to:

  • Test your sump pump every three months. You can try this yourself by pouring a big bucket of water in the pump until it’s activated, then watching to make sure it shuts off when water dips below the shutoff level.
  • Check periodically to make sure nothing is lodged in the sump pump pit, valve, and discharge line that would obstruct water flow. Be sure the float switch isn’t restricted. Also check the basin for cracks or leaks, and check the electrical components of the sump pump.
  • Run a vinegar solution to clean the sump pump, and clean the vents and air holes.
  • Check the backup pump. It’s not a very good backup if it doesn’t work!
  • Schedule regular maintenance—even if you do the steps above—with a professional. Don’t wait for your sump pump to fail.

Sump Pump Repair, Installation, and Maintenance in Charlotte

Contact us to install, replace, repair, or test a sump pump system. We work with homes and businesses within a 30-mile radius of Charlotte and have been serving the Charlotte area for 20 years and. Give us a call at 704-846-5371 or use our online contact form for service 24/7, 365 days a year.

Article Summary

Quick question & answer: What are the best sump pump maintenance practices?

The following are good sump pump maintenance practices. Test your sump pump every three months. Check periodically to ensure nothing is lodged in the sump pump pit, valve, and discharge line that would obstruct water flow. Run a vinegar solution to clean the sump pump, and clean the vents and air holes. Check the backup pump. Lastly, schedule regular maintenance.

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