A sump pump is an essential part of any home. It can prevent flooded basements and other property damage.

Plumber Woodland Hills can perform various sump pump repair services to keep your sump pump working well. This includes checking that the discharge pipe is in place and directing water away from your home.

If your sump pump isn’t working, it’s important to check the power supply. Make sure the pump is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, which are designed to protect your home against electrical shock. Then, check the breaker box and ensure that the pump’s breaker hasn’t been tripped. If it has, press the reset switch and then check that the pump is plugged in again. Finally, it’s a good idea to have a back up battery-powered sump pump installed in case of a power outage.

If the pump is still not starting, it could be because the float switch has become clogged or the pump impeller is worn out. In either case, the sump pump will need to be professionally serviced.

Another possibility is that the discharge pipe has an obstruction, which prevents water from flowing out. If this is the case, it is a good idea to call a plumber so that the problem can be fixed quickly before a flood occurs.

You can test your sump pump by dumping water into it until the unit’s float or sensor activates. If it doesn’t, the pump may need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter to check for potential short-circuit threats in the motor, which may cause it to shut on and off continuously. If you get an infinite reading on the multimeter, it means that there are no problems with the motor’s wires and it is safe to start it up. To do this, remove the float cord and the pump cord from the outlet and then trace them back to see where they are connected to each other. If you find that the float cord is plugged into the back of the pump cord, then pull them apart and plug only the pump cord back in.

Check the Float Switch

A faulty float switch is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure, and if it’s not fixed in time, you could end up with a flooded basement. The float switch is the key component that triggers the sump pump to start and stop pumping water from the basin based on the amount of water present. Checking the float switch is easy and should be done regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly. To do so, slowly pour some water into the sump pit to see if the float rises and triggers the pump to remove it from the basin.

If the float rises and doesn’t trigger the pump, it could be jammed or stuck in an ‘on’ position. If that’s the case, a simple removal of the switch should solve the issue. However, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that debris in the sump pit can obstruct the float switch from activating the sump pump and that this should be cleaned out regularly.

Another reason why the pump might continue running even after the float switch has been removed is because of a clogged discharge pipe. If this is the case, it’s best to have a professional inspect and clean the sump pit and discharge pipe to avoid costly repairs down the line.

To do this, you’ll need to disconnect the discharge pipe from the sump pump. Then you can use a garden hose to spray out any dirt or grime on the discharge pipe that could have accumulated over time. After you’ve sprayed it down, you can reconnect the pipe and test it to make sure it is working properly.

Check the Check Valve

A sump pump’s check valve prevents the water it expels from flowing back into the pit. If this one-way valve is leaking or stuck, it can cause overwork and even burn out the motor. If you notice that your sump system is constantly running, it’s time to schedule a professional for repairs. This is a clear sign that it’s attempting to keep up with constant flooding and can shorten the pump’s lifespan significantly.

When a sump pump runs with a loud, screeching sound, it’s likely that the impeller has become choked by debris like leaves and sticks. A knowledgeable technician will replace the impeller and clean the discharge line to get rid of this buildup.

Another common problem is that the sump pump doesn’t turn on when it should. This may be caused by a defective float switch, electrical problems or a failed motor. You should also check the discharge pipe to make sure that it’s properly directing water away from your home.

If the float switch is working properly but fails to activate, open up the basin lid and wipe down the sensor with a damp cloth. You can also try to move the float switch up and down or pour water into the pit to see if it will trigger the pump. If you have an air gap, be sure to check that it’s not clogged or blocked by debris as well. These gaps can come in a variety of forms including atrium, candy cane, or pipe-in-pipe, and each type has its own potential problems. Check your pump’s manual for more information about a specific air gap type. If your pump is still not functioning correctly, contact a waterproofing company to perform an inspection and recommend the best long-term solution.

Check the Impeller

When the pump activates but isn’t ejecting water, it’s likely because the impeller is stuck or clogged. This problem can cause the pump to overheat and burn out, which means it will not work when you need it most.

This can be easily fixed by removing the float and the discharge pipe and unplugging the sump pump. Then, open the lid and remove the screen on the bottom of the pump to clear any debris that is blocking it from rotating.

You should also inspect the float switch to make sure it’s not sticking and that it’s not restricted in any way, and also check to see that the discharge line is at least 20 feet away from your home. Finally, you should clean the grate in the pit to make sure it isn’t blocked with pebbles or other debris that could block the pit and cause the pump to stop working.

If your sump pump is running but is not removing water from the basin, it’s likely because of a malfunctioning check valve, a clogged discharge pipe or suction intake screen, a damaged impeller or because the pump is too small for the water it needs to move. Unusual grinding or rattling noises during operation can also indicate that the motor is wearing out and it’s time for a new one.

A reliable local waterproofing contractor can help you set up a maintenance schedule to ensure your sump pump is ready to work for you when it’s needed. Regular inspections will ensure that your pump is properly cared for and working correctly when you need it most. They will also be able to identify any parts that are starting to wear out or need to be replaced, so you can plan ahead and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Check the Screen

If your sump pump runs in sporadic bursts or is taking longer than usual to empty the basin, this is an indication that something is wrong. The problem could be with the check valve or a clogged discharge line. In both cases, you need to inspect these components to make sure they are functioning properly.

If you have a screen on your sump pump, check it before starting any repairs. This is a common place for a stray glove, spare tool, or other debris to end up and cause a blockage in the drainage pipe. It is a good idea to clean the screen regularly.

Another issue you should be aware of is when your sump pump fails to activate in response to rising water levels. If it does not activate, this is a bad sign and indicates that your pump is defective or needs to be replaced.

To test the pump, pour about five gallons of water into the pit. If the float switch triggers and pumps out the water, it is working as it should. If it does not, it is time to call a plumber in for a professional inspection. A plumber will be able to look at your sump pump and figure out what is wrong with it, including any problems with the float switch or a faulty impeller blade. You should also ask the plumber to give you some advice on how best to maintain your sump pump to prevent future issues. They may recommend cleaning the pump and even suggesting a waterproofing contractor in your area to install new drainage pipes for your home. This will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.