8 Helpful Troubleshooting Steps If Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working

Winter, Basement, Clog, Discharge Pipe, Float Switch, Flooded, Frozen, Ice, Maintenance, Pump Motor, Snow, Sump Pump, Sump Pump Pit, Troubleshooting, Valve

Is your sump pump on the fritz? Well, with the recent weather, it’s no surprise for us folks in this neck of the woods, especially during the winter season when the snow melts and rain is working overtime. Yup, you guessed it, sump pump issues are totally in full swing. And let me tell you, when that sump pump decides to call it quits, it’s definitely not something we’d recommend putting off.  

Did you know that sump pumps play a crucial role in keeping your basement dry? They work hard to pump out excess water away from the foundation of your home and prevent flooding disasters. But if your sump pump ever stops working, it can lead to some serious issues. No worries, though; our team at Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain is here to help! We can help you troubleshoot your sump pump issues in 8 simple steps. Additionally, even if you are not currently in this particular predicament, it wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with these steps now. So, don’t wait for an issue to arise; stay informed today! 

8 Helpful Troubleshooting Steps If Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working:   

  1. Did You Check the Power Supply? Power outages can wreak havoc on a sump pump, leaving you with a malfunctioning system. Whether it’s a fierce storm or a tripped circuit breaker if your sump pump stops working, there’s one crucial step to take – confirm if it’s plugged in and receiving power. You can also test the outlet with another device to rule out any issues there. And if you’re feeling lucky, a simple restart by unplugging and plugging it back in might just do the trick. But remember, this could be a temporary fix.   
  1. Did You Test the Pump Motor? Keep your ears open for any unusual noises emanating from the pump motor. If the motor isn’t purring away, dive into the circuit breaker and give it a good reset if needed. 
  1. Did You Examine the Pump Basin? Let’s dive into the inside of the pump’s basin to uncover the mystery. Take a closer look at the sump pump basin, keeping an eye out for any sneaky debris, dirt, or even icy surprises. If you stumble upon any unwanted guests, give them the boot to ensure smooth sailing for your pump’s impeller. Let’s keep things flowing smoothly! 
  1. Did You Inspect the Float Switch? Now, move on to checking the float switch for proper movement. A pump can sometimes throw in the towel when it’s been working hard, especially during those seasons when it’s clocking in extra hours. Peek for debris that needs clearing and give the float switch a whirl to see if it’s gliding smoothly. A float that’s stuck or frozen won’t be able to pull its weight and activate the pump as intended. Let’s get things flowing again!  
  1. Did You Test the Check (or Overflow) Valve? Confirm that the check valve is properly installed and in good working order. Take a moment to inspect and clear any debris that might obstruct its function. Keep an eye out for potential clogs in the pipe above, as they can hinder the check valve’s performance. By doing so, you’ll ensure that water won’t flow back into the sump pit. Stay vigilant and keep your system running smoothly! 
  1. Did You Inspect the Discharge Pipe? If your basement is flooded and the water is not being properly discharged away from your home, there’s a good chance that the culprit behind this soggy situation is a clogged discharge pipe. It’s time to shift your attention towards locating and checking on that important pipe. Let’s get to the bottom of this! 
  1. Did You Clear the Weeping Hole? Don’t forget to check the weeping hole! It’s a tiny opening on the discharge pipe of your sump pump, working hard to release air and ensure smooth operation. But here’s the catch: when this little hole gets blocked, your pump won’t work as it should. So, if you notice a clog, clear it out to keep things flowing smoothly!     
  1. Did You Consider the Size of Your Pump? If your sump pump is inadequately sized for your space, it simply won’t be able to handle the deluge of water coming its way. Dealing with this issue repeatedly? It might be high time to mull over an upgrade to put an end to this relentless cycle. 

You’ve got this! With a dash of determination and some focused DIY troubleshooting, you’ll be able to pinpoint the source of your sump pump problem in no time. And remember, safety first! So, take a deep breath, go slow, and proceed with caution as you assess your situation and tackle each troubleshooting step, one by one. You’ve got this under control! 

Tips to Maximize Your Sump Pump Performance: 

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for the future in order to maintain your sump pump effectively. 

The accumulation of loose debris and particles can lead to clogs and hinder the proper functioning of your sump pump. It’s important to ensure that your sump pump pit lid is securely in place and adequately sealed. This will effectively prevent debris from entering the pit and interfering with the pump. Additionally, keeping random items and clutter away from the sump pump area can also contribute to avoiding these issues. 

It’s important to be aware of any loud or irregular noises coming from your sump pump. If you notice anything unusual, try to identify the problem. If you’re unable to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Being vigilant about potential issues can help you catch minor problems before they escalate into major headaches. Regularly monitoring your sump pump is essential for maintenance. 

CONSULTING PROFESSIONAL HELP:    

Are you still scratching your head, trying to unravel the mystery? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! If you’re still facing issues even after following these troubleshooting steps, reach out to us for professional assistance. Let our experts diagnose and revive your sump pump in no time!  

Your plumbing system is the beating heart of your home, and let’s face it, various factors can make things go haywire. That’s why it’s crucial to entrust your home to someone you can rely on. At Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain, we pride ourselves on being just that. Our customers are like family to us. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our utmost priorities. Plus, we go the extra mile and back it up with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!  

Count on Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain to tackle all your plumbing woes with expertise and precision! Call today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!