HOW TO REPAIR A SUMP PUMP Strategies For Beginners

You have probably noticed that your sump pump is not working as efficiently as it was when you first bought it. This is quite normal for an old and worn out sump pump. In some instances, it could be due to some problems with the components of the sump pump.

When you notice that something could be wrong, it may be time to check for signs that the sump pump needs repairing or replacing. It is important to note that sump pump repairing is cheaper than sump pump replacement.

Sump pump repairing involves checking the components of the sump pump while sump pump replacement means getting a new sump pump altogether. Before you think about replacing, the first thing you should do is find the problem and try repair before you call in the plumber. Some problems are easy to fix while some require technical assistance.

Here, we will look at how you can repair a sump pump and what to look out for when you realize a repair needs to be done. Let us get into it, shall we?

• Metal File
• Pipe Cutter
• Utility Knife
• Check Valve
• Wrench
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Hacksaw

Sump pumps tend to fail due to a couple of reasons, a malfunction being one of them. A sump pump is a mechanical device and when used for long, it will malfunction. It is known that the lifespan of a sump pump is averagely 10 years. Also, if the power source spoils, so does the sump pump.

Additionally, if you bought a brand that does not offer the best quality machine, then with time the device is sure to fail. Lastly, if your pump was poorly installed, the sump pump will under perform or function inefficiently. Below are some of the ways you can repair your sump pump or its components.

A check valve is one of the components in a sump pump that prevents backward flow of water. One of the common problems of sump pump failure is improper fitting of the check valve. Other times it could be because the check valve has been clogged debris that has accumulated over time.

If the check valve is not working, water flows back to the sump basin thus putting stress on the sump pump. If you suspect that this could be the issue, remove the check valve, check it out and clean it. If it is a case of poor installation, remove it and reinstall it pointing away from the sump pump and not towards it.

In some cases, you may not have a check valve in the first place. Purchase one from a hardware store or online. Remember to check the size. Thereafter, install it. This might just be the answer to your woes.

Another possibility of a sump pump malfunction could be the impeller. This component can fail or jam due to a couple of reasons. You will know this when you realize a queer noise coming from it.

If you happen to hear this noise, then this is a clear indication that your pump’s impeller has failed. To rectify this, take out the impeller and clean out the debris that has accumulated. A better alternative would be to purchase a filter to keep the impeller clean and prevent future clogging that may lead to jamming, and worse, the failure of the sump pump itself.

One component that the sump pump is dependent on is the float. This is because the float has been designed to rise as the water level rises in your basement. When the water level in the basement rises, the float rises. When it reaches a certain height that may cause flooding, the sump pump automatically goes on and starts getting rid of the water.

The float being one of the problems that mess up the sump pump, it is important to keep checking on it regularly to ensure there is no clogging that would ultimately lead to a malfunction.

If you realize the check valve, the impeller and the float are all in top-notch shape, and then it is high time you check the electricity. As mentioned, the sump pump is a mechanical device and it, therefore, requires electricity to run.

If you suspect that this could be the problem, you can inspect the fuse, a break in the circuit or the wiring of the pump. A wire may have broken or disconnected in one way or another. You can check these areas carefully to try and see if this could be the problem.

When doing these repairs, make sure you disconnect the sump pump from the power outlet. In addition, if you realize that your sump pump is still malfunctioning after checking the components, it is best to contract the services of a plumber.

They will do a detailed checkup and advice on the repairs that are required. However, you should maintain your sump pump by doing regular checkups because prevention is always better than reaction.