Your sump pump is the workhouse of your basement, constantly keeping it dry and powering through storm after storm. It goes through a lot, which is why you need to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t fall into disrepair.
You can inspect a sump pump on your own and determine if it’s in perfect working order, or if you need sump pump repair, AW Heating & Cooling is here to help!
Running Even When It’s Dry
It’s the middle of the day in your dry basement, and your sump pump kicks on. There’s no reason for it, but it does. This is an indication that there’s either a clog somewhere in the pump (likely from mold or mildew), or the pump wasn’t installed correctly.
You can clean out clogs on your own. This is typically from mud or debris making its way into your pump.
If your pump was recently installed, you should check with the install technician or company to make sure it was done properly. If it was a DIY installation, either retrace your steps or contact a repair technician as soon as possible.
Visible Cracks or Damage
Cracks in the sump pump basin (sometimes referred to as the pit) are a cause for concern, but it is a minor repair job. Groundwater can seep in through these cracks and force your pump to run even when it’s not supposed to, adding wear and tear to the unit, or burning out the motor over time.
Water is tricky because it loves to seep in anywhere that it can. If the bin is cracked beyond repair, consider a full replacement. Small cracks tend to appear at the bottom of the basin underneath mud and debris. Replace your basin and test your pump again to make sure it solves the issue.
Draining Slower Than It’s Supposed to
The drain that leads outside can get clogged over time. Mold and mildew growth can occur, plus debris can blow into the drain from outside. It doesn’t take much to clog a sump pump drain. Do your best to flush your drainage line on your own. If it seems like there’s no clog, the issue could pertain to the motor of your sump pump. A technician will be able to figure out the issue.
Not Draining at All
If your sump pump isn’t draining, it could be an issue with your float switch. Your float is connected to a switch that’s enabled when water levels change, signaling that your sump pump is supposed to turn on and begin pumping water. If the switch is busted, your pump won’t know when to turn on in the first place.
Hindsight is 20/20
Don’t wait to fix your sump pump if it shows signs of damage or isn’t working properly. Finding out that your pump doesn’t work as intended at the start of a major storm is not a situation you want to put yourself in. Repair it as needed, maintain it regularly, and you won’t have to worry about your sump pump when a storm hits.
Contact us today for sump pump installation and repair with 24/7 emergency service available.