Reasons for Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump is very much the same as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, or a security system, as there is rarely any need to use it; however, it can be a vital tool when a dire situation crops up. Sump pumps help prevent water situations by quickly draining water from the basement through an external discharge pipe. And like most emergency equipment, it is important to ensure that your sump pump is maintained and does not need emergency sump pump repair.
Power Failure
Both bad weather and power failure will sometimes coincide to make one bad combination that can often result in a flooded basement. This is because the heavy rain storms bring excess water and a power outage that will often completely immobilize your sump pump’s ability to drain the flood water.
Thankfully, this problem can be prevented by purchasing and installing a backup generator that your sump pump can run off. If you do lose power during a bad storm, you can turn this on to ensure your basement doesn’t become flooded.
A Stuck Switch
The most common mechanical problem which causes sump pump failure is a stuck switch. This occurs when the pump has shifted within the basin, causing the float to become ineffective by lodging itself on the side of the pump. It is also possible for debris to stick to the float and render it useless. Both of these problems can be fixed with some cleaning and adjusting of the sump pumps’ position in the basin.
Overwhelmed Pump
Your sump pump can become overwhelmed by too much water when it is not the right size or horsepower. When a sump pump is too big, it will work overtime, and this will reduce its lifespan; on the other hand, if it is too small, it results in underwork and again, a shortened lifespan.
If you would like to make an appointment for a sump pump repair job, please contact Kapa Plumbing & Drainage Service at (240) 203-7967 now if you live in the Gaithersburg, MD region.
