The first way to test the sump pump is to trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Both cables should be unplugged, and only the pump cord should be plugged into the outlet. If you hear a humming sound when turning on the pump, the pump works.
What happens when your sump pump stops working?
Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home . That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.
What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage . Sump pumps depend on your house for power, and blackouts can be problematic.
How do I get my sump pump to kick on?
Fill your sump pit with enough water to raise the float until the pump kicks on. If you’re filling the pit and the water level gets near the top of the pit, but the pump doesn’t activate, you may have a bad switch. If the pump does activate, it should lower the water level in the pit, removing almost all of the water.
How do you check a sump pump?
Start by listening. If there is excessive groundwater around the foundation, the pump should turn itself on, pump out the water and turn itself off again. Next, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit (or crock). If the water level is low, chances are good the pump is working properly.
How much does it cost to fix a sump pump?
The average cost to repair a sump pump is $508 . The final price could range anywhere from $110 to a little over $1,000, depending on the extent of the service. Homeowners pay $308 and $733 on average. You’ll know when your sump pump has stopped working because you’ll have an abundance of moisture in your basement.
Does insurance cover a sump pump failure?
In most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure . ... A water backup and sump pump failure/overflow endorsement will just cover the property damage – not the repair of the actual appliance/sump pump that malfunctioned.
What is the average life expectancy of a sump pump?
How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years , you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.
Why is my sump pump running but not pumping?
A sump pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your basement and your first defense against flooding. But like all equipment, sump pumps tend to break down and not work correctly. The most common reason for a sump pump to run but not pump is because of a clog in the outlet pipe or the sump pump inlet .
How long do sump pumps usually last?
Even if you have professionally installed a quality product, a sump pump should be replaced every 7-10 years . Typically located in a basin on your basement floor, your sump pump collects excess water from drains and redirects it away from the house.
How do you troubleshoot a sump pump?
- 1) Check to see if the Sump Pump is clogged. ...
- 2) Check to see if the Floating Switch is Jammed. ...
- 3) Check the Discharge Line. ...
- 4) Examine the Check Valve. ...
- 5) Make Sure the Sump Pump Has Power. ...
- 6) Make Sure the Sump Pit is Big Enough.
Can I pour water down my sump pump?
That’s easy — just pour water in. Take a 5-gallon bucket filled with water, and then slowly pour the water in (think about the rate which rain water may enter the pump) until the float triggers your pump to activate.
How do you fix a sump pump that won’t turn on?
- Make sure the unit has power. Check to see that it’s plugged in and that the circuit has power via the home’s main electrical panel.
- Test the outlet to ensure it’s working. ...
- Check the float switch to see if the pump turns on when you manually lift the float. ...
- Check the impeller for clogs.
Do sump pumps need maintenance?
Water from under or around your home drains into a sump pump pit, and is then pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance you may have in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly .
How often should you clean your sump pump pit?
Your sump pump should be cleaned at least once every three months . All homes are different though, so if you notice that your sump pit collects more build-up than what might be considered “average,” we encourage you to clean it more regularly.
Why would a house have 2 sump pumps?
The reason for 2 sump pumps per pit is to ensure you have a fail-safe in case the first one , or your home’s power fails. Now, if you have a whole-home generator, the battery backup can be replaced with a secondary Primary Sump Pump.
