Photo By ozgurcoskun at istock
Sump pumps are a vital component of the plumbing systems in homes. Their work is to regulate the flow of groundwater in the basement and prevent it from flooding your house. It can be irritating and inconvenient to come home and find a pool of water on the flooring, destroying everything from your carpeting to your meticulous floors to your valuables. When that happens, you might have to seek water damage restoration services and if you do not have a home insurance cover, incur a lot of expenses while at sump pump services.
Such problems may happen due to a dysfunctional sump pump. In case your plumber examines the root cause of flooding and informs you that your sump pump is the culprit, you might end up lamenting about why the problem came so suddenly without warning.
Do not fret, since we got you covered. With our input, you can stay ahead of the situation and get to sense a problem with your sump pump before it occurs. Here are some of the things to watch out for, and you can seek professional help and avert a possible water damage disaster.
Clogged or frozen discharge pipes and plugged screens
A discharge pipe is a component of the sump pump, often made of PVC material, that works to direct water out of your home’s basement through the sump pump. The pipe should be large enough for efficiency purposes, enabling large volumes of water to pass through when the underground water is in excess. If water cannot leave your basement through the pipe, it means that your sump pump system will fail to function well.
Discharge drain lines can become ineffective due to clogging by debris, sticks, rodents, or ice. You ought to talk to a professional plumber to get sump pump services involving inspecting your drainage pipes once you notice water in your basement. After fixing the issue, the plumber can install clog detectors to make it easier for you to detect the problem sooner before water messes up your basement and finds its way into your living area.
Some sump pumps have plugged screens that also work in conjunction with drainage pipes to pump out the water present in your basement. Plugged screen sump pumps have a small screen or opening that allows water to flow outside through the underground. If the screen is blocked or clogged, water may not flow, causing your basement to flood. You should check the plugged screen frequently and look out for any blockage. If you notice any, it is time to seek sump pump services from a certified technician in Cleveland, TN.
Power failure
One of the reasons your sump pump is not working is due to a power outage. Water may build up in your basement quickly and might be unable to leave your home, leading you to incur damaged sump pump replacement as well as water damage restoration bills. To avert this scenario, talk to an expert sump pump services provider to get suggestions on the best model of a backup generator to purchase and install.
Additionally, some parts of the sump pump may be vulnerable to power surges that occur during blackouts. If the power comes back and your sump pump still does not work, look for a professional providing sump pump services to identify and fix the problem.
Wrong size for the job
When buying any appliance for your home, one of the factors to consider is whether it will be up for the task. If you purchase a smaller size that cannot sustain the workload pressure, it only means you will have to go back to the store and buy a bigger size that will work effectively. That translates to higher purchasing costs.
If you get sump pump services from an inexperienced plumber, you may end up receiving bad advice on the size to purchase, and that might be the source of your woes. Why not stick with the credible and certified providers, get expert advice and services, and save your wallet from dishing out unnecessary cash.
Switch issues
One of the leading mechanical causes of sump pump problems is a dysfunctional switch. Without the switch, the pump will not power up hence rendering the whole machine ineffective. The float switch is responsible for turning the pump on or off, depending on the water level. However, it can jam or clog. Switch defects occur when the pump moves from its original position inside the basin, gets pressed on the side of the sump pump, and malfunctions.
In case you purchased a cheaper sump pump model, the switch can tangle in the system and either stop functioning or be stuck in the on position hence run non-stop. You do not want your sump pump running forever and adding to your already high electric bill! And to avoid destroying it in the name of DIY repairs to save some cash, it is wise to talk to an expert who delivers sump pump services to come and fix the problem.
Improper installation
After an expensive sump pump purchase, you would not want to mess up with the installation. Having an inexperienced plumber work on the sump pump installation may cause problems such as frequent breakdowns that warrant repairs. There could also be the issue of water damage at the drainage line on the road. If the professional does not install a check valve, water can backflow and trigger the sump pump impeller to rotate in reverse, unscrewing the motor shaft. Although you may still hear the pump motor running, it might not be pumping any water.
You should be conversant with the manufacturer’s guide for installation and get expert installation help when you experience the above problems and need replacement services. You would not want to repeat the same mistake twice, right? Trust an expert sump pump services provider only.
Get quality sump pump services today!
Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air is a state-of-the-art plumbing company that is operational 24 hours a day. Some of the services we offer include sump pump installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection and sealing, and sewer line repair. Residents living in and around Cleveland, TN, can turn to us for professional plumbing help. All you have to do is call us, and we will provide personalized solutions for your plumbing issues.