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Sump pumps keep homes safe from floods. If you’re a resident in Chattanooga, TN, chances are you have one or two sump pumps in your basement. During rainy seasons, sump pumps eliminate excess water to keep your basement dry. They prevent your basement from floods from groundwater, heavy rainfall, or plumbing leaks. Just like any other mechanical device, sump pumps also experience some problems. However, with proper maintenance, it can serve you for about 10 years.
If your sump pump is not in good condition, it can cost you a lot of money. It can result in flooding that can damage your foundation. Therefore, if you spot pools of water in your basement, you should seek sump pump services as soon as possible.
You may not have to wait until you have a wet basement to address sump pump issues. Below are some common sump pump problems you should know about.
Power Failure
Power outages are among the common causes of sump pump failures. If there’s a power outage in your Chattanooga, TN home, it means that the sump pump will not work unless you have a backup generator. Also, if the circuit breakers trip, the sump pump may stop working, and homeowners in areas that experience it should talk to a sump pump provider to guide them on the correct generator model you should purchase.
Some sump pump components may be affected by power surges that occur during power failures. If your sump pump fails to function even when the power comes back, you should contact a professional providing sump pump services to examine your situation.
Additionally, you should install a surge protector in your home to protect your electrical appliances from power surges. By doing so, you can be away from your home and not worrying about floods due to sump pump failures.
Improper Installation
Proper installation is critical for all your machinery. After an expensive purchase of a sump pump, you would not want to mess with the installation process. An inexperienced technician can result in frequent breakdowns that may need costly repairs. Installation of a sump pump requires professional sump pump services to ensure safe and quality work.
You should install a sump pump in an appropriate location below the basement or the crawl space where water can drain towards it. The manufacturer’s instructions require professionals to install a check valve on the discharge line. If not installed properly, the water may be forced to flow back to the sump pit. If this happens, you may have to deal with a flooded basement.
You should install a sump pump in an area free of gravel or dirt because debris can accumulate to affect its efficiency. You should hire a professional plumber for the job.
Frozen or Clogged Discharge Pipes
Proper installation is critical for all your machinery. After an expensive purchase of a sump pump, you would not want to mess with the installation process. An inexperienced technician can result in frequent breakdowns that may need costly repairs. Installation of a sump pump requires professional sump pump services to ensure safe and quality work.
You should install a sump pump in an appropriate location below the basement or the crawl space where water can drain towards it. The manufacturer’s instructions require professionals to install a check valve on the discharge line. If not installed properly, the water may be forced to flow back to the sump pit. If this happens, you may have to deal with a flooded basement.
You should install a sump pump in an area free of gravel or dirt because debris can accumulate to affect its efficiency. You should hire a professional plumber for the job.
Wrong Size Sump Pump
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 the right size that can accommodate your demands. That translates to higher purchasing costs. Also, if the sump pump is too big for the job, it may have to work harder, thereby reducing the product’s lifespan.
If you get service 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 to the professional and certified sump pump services providers, get expert advice and services, and save some cash.
Sump Pump Running Non-stop
If your sump pump is operating continuously, regardless of the present weather conditions, then you know it’s time to seek sump pump services before the system burns out. Many reasons cause a pump to overdrive. The problem can occur if the pump is too small, so it may have to work harder to pump water effectively.
Also, the sump pit could be too small, making it refill quickly, and the pump has to overwork. Even if the pump is running continuously under normal circumstances, it may fail you at some point. You should consult a sump pump services provider to find the possible cause of the problem and fix it.
Switch Problems
One of the leading causes of sump pump problems is a faulty switch. Without the switch, the pump will not power up, hence making the whole system ineffective. The float switch is responsible for turning the pump on and off when the water level changes.
Switch malfunctions occur when the pump shifts from its original position inside the basin, thereby affecting the efficiency of the float. If both the float and the switch are not working, it means the pump will not work. Therefore, you should have a professional check the condition of switches.
Get Professional Sump Pump Services Today!
If your sump pump has any of the above problems, turn to Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air. We offer sump pump services to residential and commercial customers in Chattanooga, TN, and the surrounding areas. If you need sump pump repair, maintenance, or installation, give us a call.
