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All sump pumps are prone to failure at some point. Sump pumps are mechanical in nature so therefore they are prone to failure over time. If your sump pump was improperly installed you may experience sump pump failure sooner than later, requiring sump pump services to fix the problem. With so many types of sump pumps on the market, it can be difficult for a homeowner to choose the right model. There are even different capacities when it comes to sump pumps making it even more difficult for the average homeowners to choose the right make and model. The experts at Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air can help you choose the right model for your home, or help you to choose a new model to replace your older failing sump pump. We offer the best sump pump services in the area.
How can you tell if you need a new sump pump? Here are some of the most common signs of sump pump failure that require sump pump services in Chattanooga, TN.
No water coming into the sump pit
If your sump pump seems to work but no water is coming into the sump pit, this is a sign of an improperly installed sump pump. If your home sump pump contractor installed the sump pump but failed to link it to a proper drainage system, it is going to be prone to failure. These pumps only work correctly if there is a drain tile connected to your sump pump, installed along the perimeter of your basement. This can be installed externally or internally. This drain tile collects the groundwater near the foundation and discharges it into your sump pit. If this drain tile does not exist, or becomes clogged, or worse yet is installed without the proper pitch, it will not send water into your sump pit. Not even the best model of a sump pump can overcome this issue. The key to fixing this issue is to call in a sump pump services professional in Chattanooga, TN to inspect your sump pump and fix the drainage issue.
Overwhelmed Sump Pump
Not all models of sump pumps are created equal. Many models on the market today are cheap plastic models. Sometimes the given sump pump simply is not powerful enough for the job at hand. When it comes to sump pumps you need a model that is both powerful or reliable. Heavy storms can bring vast amounts of water into your basement, you need a model that can handle the high volume of water that pours in due to heavy rains that often occur. Your local sump pump services professional can inspect your home, sump pump, and sump pit, downspouts and foundation to recommend the best model to give you peace of mind to weather out any storm. For added peace of mind, you can have a battery backup added to your sump pump system. ensuring that even when the power goes out you will still be protected from damaging floodwaters.
Sump Pump Running Non-Stop
If your sump pump is running non-stop or just too often this may be a problem sign. This is especially true if the weather does not warrant your sump pump running continuously. This could be as simple as a stuck switch or more problematically your sump pump liner could be too small or large. The problem can be as complex as having a missing or broken check valve. The sump pump services professionals at Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air can easily fix this issue.
Clogged Sump Pumps
Sump pumps without a lid can easily become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause sump pump failure. Your sump pump can also get clogged if it sits at the bottom of a dirty sump pump pit, as the mechanical parts are much more liable to become clogged with dirt and debris. If any of these clogs occur, it can interfere with your sump pump operation, causing the entire system to either slow or stop. Debris can also cause the float switch to clog or jam. The float switch causes the sump pump to turn on and off as water levels change in the pit. If any of this occurs you will require professional sump pump services.
Clogged Discharge Lines
Clogged discharge lines can cause your basement to flood. If your discharge lines become clogged with debris, your sump pump system cannot get rid of the water being collected in your sump pit. Your discharge lines need to be kept free and clear of debris, dirt, and grime. A simple cover on the end of your discharge line can work wonders to prevent this type of sump pump failure.
Power loss
Power loss is one of the leading causes of sump pump failure. We recommend installing a battery backup whenever possible for peace of mind when it comes to sump pumps. If your pump is not working, test it to see if it has power or not. Your pump may be working correctly, just suffering from a lack of power. You can always check the circuit breaker to make sure it did not trip and needs a reset.
Some storms locally are capable of knocking out the power as you no doubt are well aware. Storms capable of flooding a basement often have high winds that are more than capable of knocking out your utilities. A high capacity battery operated backup sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in water damage, protecting your basement whenever power is knocked out. Sump pump services can easily solve this issue.
The professionals at Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air can easily fix any of these common causes of sump pump failure with our superior services. If you are unsure if your sump pump is up to the task of protecting your most valuable asset, your home, call us today for a sump pump inspection or with any questions you may have. Let us bring you peace of mind, call our experts today, we are open 24/7 for your convenience. We are a CDC COVID-19 compliant sump pump services business.