• sump pump

How to Spot a Failing Sump Pump

According to industry experts, 98% of homes will experience some sort of water damage during their lifespans. This can be from a variety of reasons like rain, broken appliances, cracked pipes, or a broken sump pump – all culprits that can lead to a flooded basement and costly repairs.

Install a Sump Pump

Most homes have a sump pump installed to keep the water away from their basements and to prevent flooding – but even sump pumps can fail and cause major issues! Installed on the lowest level of the home, a sump pump is there to keep things dry.

A pit is dug out beneath the foundation, at least two feet deep, which houses the pump itself. This pit will eventually fill with water, and as it does so, the pump turns on, redirecting the water away from your home and out into your yard.

While there are different methods for how a sump pump can work, the main goal is to keep your home dry and water free – but even sump pumps fail sometimes.

What Causes Sump Pump Failure?

A sump pump is only good when it is functioning properly. You must routinely check the machine to avoid failure, which can lead to costly water damage and home repairs. If, during one of your checks, you find that your sump pump is not working properly, here are a few things that could be causing the problem.

No power

Has a storm recently hit your home and knocked out the electricity? If so, your sump pump is more than likely not getting any power. This means that it will not drain any water.  Have a generator on hand to keep things running in case of an emergency in order to keep water from filling your home.

Wrong size

Is your sump pump too small for your space? If your home is too large, your sump pump will not be able to keep up with the amount of water that is needed to be pumped out. On the flip side. running too large of a sump pump can shorten its lifespan. A professional can tell you the correct size to install when you are ready to place a sump pump into your home.

Old age

Just like any appliance, a sump pump has an expected life span, and will not work forever. The average lifespan of a sump pump is 10 years. If your sump pump is getting close to this age, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Clogged pipes

A sump pump has a discharge pipe that can become clogged with debris and create a backup, causing issues with drainage. If this happens, there is nowhere for your water to flow, leaving your sump pump to stop completely. Prevent this by installing a piece of mesh or a protective cover over the pipe to keep it clear of any debris or blockages.

Switch issues

If your sump pump shifts in its basin, the float that signals the switch may become jammed. As you perform maintenance on the pump, check the position of the switch and adjust it if necessary to avoid a stuck switch in the future.

Installation problem or faulty product:

Product defects occur from time to time, which are out of your control. In addition to this, installation issues may also occur. In this instance, be certain all directions were properly followed. It’s also good to have a professional double-check the installation of the sump pump to verify that everything looks as it should and that all pieces of equipment are functioning properly.

Proper maintenance

As we discussed before, always perform regular maintenance on your sump pump. Clean it three to four times a year to avoid blockages. If you notice any of the above issues, replace the sump pump immediately to prevent costly water damage and home repairs.

McMahon’s Water Damage Cleanup Chicago Services

If you find yourself ankle-deep in water due to a faulty sump pump, the McMahon Services water restoration team is always available to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our expert teams will work fast to get your home dried out and back to normal as quickly as possible. You will always receive a free estimate and damage inspection for services. Call us today for more information.