Especially when snow melts in the winter and during soggy spring months, your sump pump works hard to keep your basement dry. You may notice it running all the time, without stop, since sometimes, the appliance can work too hard. This is an issue you should address right away as it is one of the leading causes of sump pump failure. Today, we at Randall’s Plumbing would like to discuss the common issues of a sump pump.

Why Does My Sump Pump Keep Cycling?

A sign it’s working and pushing water out of the sump pump pit is if you hear your sump pump running. Indicating there’s an issue with the system is if it continuously runs and not from the amount of water entering the pit. It can wear out the motor and decrease the system’s service life when the sump pump constantly cycles. There are three areas you should inspect to repair the problem and they include the check valve, float switch, and discharge pipe.

How Do I Know if My Sump Pump Float Switch is Bad?

When the sump pump should turn on, the float switch senses it. The float is a component that remains at the surface of the water and rises as the pit fills with water as the name implies. It triggers the float switch to initiate the pumping sequence after the float reaches a set point. Until it is released outside or into the storm drain system, water is pulled into the submerged pump and pushed up the discharge pipe. Make certain the float and arm are not stuck or tangled in the sump pump’s electrical cord. The float switch may be faulty if the float is moving smoothly without obstruction. It’s very important you get the correct float switch for the sump pump model, though you can purchase replacement parts at most home improvement stores or online. It might be smarter to replace the entire sump pump, depending on the availability, cost, or complexity of the repair.

What Happens if a Sump Pump Check Valve is Bad?

Located on the discharge pipe above the sump pump is the check valve. The same water could repeatedly be going up and down the pipe, explaining your sump pump’s cycling issue without a working check valve. To prevent water from coming down the discharge pipe and back into the pit, it is a one-way valve. Explaining your sump pump’s cycling issue, the same water could repeatedly be going up and down the pipe without a working check valve. Make certain there is a check valve installed firstly. To install a sump pump on their own and forgets this crucial part, sometimes an inexperienced homeowner attempt. Check valves can wear out or fail over time like most plumbing components. As it’s not very difficult to remove and replace this part, most check valves are held in place with ring clamps. For the discharge pipe, make certain you have the correct side.

How Do I Know if My Sump Pump Discharged Pipe is Clogged?

The next place to check is the remaining discharge pipe for a clog if everything appears to be working inside the pit. Where it could trap water in the sump pump system, it is common for sediment to build up or for the pipe to get blocked where it discharges outside. Into the discharge pipe to loosen up any blockages, try inserting a drain snake or wire hanger. Never add a liquid drain cleaner product to the pit or anywhere in the sump pump.

Residential Plumbing Repair, Replacement & More in Marshfield, Conway & Greater Lebanon, Missouri

If you are experiencing sump pump issues on your Lebanon, MO home, call in the professionals of Randall’s Plumbing.