What to Do if My Sump Pump Fails

Understanding How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump, no matter its size, plays a critical role in preventing water damage by extracting excess moisture from the lowest areas in your home. Your sump pump sits in a sump pit, which is typically situated in the basement floor, serving as a collection point for water.

As water levels elevate in the pit, In the event of a flooded basement, the float switch activates your sump pump to drain excess water, subsequently shutting off when the job is done.

Sump pumps are ingeniously designed to manage what happens when excessive water collects in your abode, diverting it into a storm drainage system or dry well. While they primarily operate on electricity, including a battery backup in your sump pump system ensures water evacuation continues during power outages. Regular servicing is essential to ensure your sump pump remains operational, helping to prevent issues and ensuring long-term performance.

Common Signs of Sump Pump Failure

Recognizing why sump pumps fail is crucial, with typical signs of trouble including:

• Unusual sounds that may indicate a stuck switch or a blockage that could cause water back up in the sump pit
• Continuous operation of the pump may indicate an empty sump pit or a system malfunction.
• Accumulating water in the sump pit and basement, despite a lack of recent rain, is a telltale sign of pump failure.
• The pump is inactive due to a stuck switch, which should elevate with the water level to commence pumping
• Reduced water flow out of the discharge pipe
• Frequent clogs in the discharge line can cause pump inefficiencies, a recurrent issue leading to sump pump malfunction
• The sump pump stopped effectively removing water despite being activated

A swift response to these symptoms is essential for the well-being of your pump. There are numerous reasons sump pump efficiency declines, usually signalling a need for replacement after 5 to 7 years. Early detection lets you take care of potential issues, preventing sump pump inefficiencies through proactive measures like clearing obstructions or updating worn components.

Immediate Actions When a Sump Pump Fails

It’s critical to know the actions to take when your sump pump fails to prevent serious water damage. Follow these steps to manage floodwater and prevent basement inundation if your pump is overwhelmed:

1. Unplug electronics or appliances near water to prevent electric shocks and avoid water ingress that could present hazards.
2. Move furniture, rugs, and valuables out of areas susceptible to water damage in your house.
3. Remove carpeting promptly to eliminate moisture and prevent mold mildew in the water sump pit environment.
4. Utilise a wet/dry vacuum to ensure any persistent water is cleared from the basement floor or in the sump pit if the pump stops working. Mop up remaining puddles.
5. Position dehumidifiers and fans throughout the basement to reduce moisture effectively and prevent the onset of mold growth.
6. Consider contacting our plumbers to assess your system and address pump failure, ensuring it’s restored to optimal function.

Swift action minimises damage resulting from initial sump pump failures and subsequent flooding. Our skilled plumbers can help with repairs, manage replacements, and offer regular upkeep to keep up your sump pump’s operational integrity. Connect with our plumbers anytime to ensure your sump pump is restored to its optimal capacity.

Preventing Water Damage

Proactive steps are essential to protect your property and well-being from the risks of flooding. Here are some key measures to ensure your pump doesn’t fail, especially if you live in the Carlingford area:

1. Employ professional waterproofing to shield your basement walls and floor from seepage that might otherwise water your basement.
2. Ensure proper grading of your home’s landscape to direct water flow effectively and prevent pooling near foundation walls.
3. Regular inspection and cleaning of your home’s drain tile system are crucial to prevent overloading the pump with water due to cracks or blockages.
4. Extend drain tile around the entire foundation and slope it to drain away from the house.
5. Install a quality backup sump pump system with adequate battery capacity for efficient water removal during storms.
6. Regularly inspect your primary sump pump for signs of wear and quickly replace any deteriorated parts.
7. Consider installing an automated water leak detection and shut-off system for rapid water isolation in emergencies.
8. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure seamless drainage, reducing the workload and ensuring that the pump work is up to par.
9. Trim back vegetation that could impede drainage infrastructure.

Taking proactive steps by contacting us today reduces hassle, harm, and costs linked to potential water disasters. Connect with us today at Carlingford Plumbing for expert insight in inspecting and improving your dwelling to reduce moisture hazards.

Removing Excess Water

If your sump pump stops working, quickly removing excess water from your basement is crucial to prevent further damage. Here are some methods to remove water:

• Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck up as much standing water as possible.
• Position buckets throughout the basement to keep water from dripping onto surfaces and to mitigate leaks from walls or appliances.
• For preventive maintenance, a portable diesel pump can be a robust solution to handle high water volumes and avert pump overload. These units can go a long way in pumping out hundreds of gallons per hour.
• Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry out any remaining moisture.

To fully protect your dwelling, it’s advantageous to learn more about sump pump systems through professional consultation. Specialised products are designed for areas like the basement crawl space to waterproof walls and floors and reinforce your sump pump system. Taking preventative measures now saves considerable hassle, harm and expense over time.

Long-Term Maintenance and Prevention

Consistent upkeep is essential to keep your sump pump in top condition and avert flooding. Here are some key long-term prevention tips:

• Conduct a biannual check of your sump pump to ensure its efficiency and proper water ejection. During your check, perform a water test in the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and deactivates correctly.
• Clear debris or sediment from the sump pit to prevent clogs that could disrupt water flow.
• Ensure the discharge line and check valve are working correctly to redirect water away from your home, thus avoiding pump issues. It should extend at least 5 metres from the home’s foundation to divert water safely away.
• Turn off your old pump before upgrading to a cast iron or thermoplastic model, which can improve your sump pump’s durability.
• Setting up a battery backup pump is wise to guarantee operation continuity should your main system cease unexpectedly during a blackout.
• Replace the pump every 5-7 years or if it’s not making your sump pump run effectively, indicated by unusual noises, burning smells, etc.
• Reinforce your basement with waterproofing solutions to control moisture sources and reduce strain on your pump.

Taking preventive maintenance steps saves considerable expense over time compared to undertaking flood damage restoration. Contact the professionals at Carlingford Plumbing if you need assistance servicing or upgrading your sump pump system.

Installing Backup Power Sources

A backup power source for your sump pump is recommended to maintain operation during power outages. In the Carlingford area, power failures during storms pose a significant risk, precisely when sump pump systems are most required. Installing a battery backup system ensures your pump can still pump out water seamlessly, even if the electricity goes out.

A battery backup connects seamlessly to your AC-powered sump pump and a sump pump can continue operation automatically during heavy rain when the primary power source is unavailable. High-quality backup systems provide enough energy to keep the pump running for over 24 hours. They sound an alarm when activated so you know there’s a power loss.

Securing a backup power source is a decisive action to do when sump pump reliance increases during heavy rain. Our technicians at Carlingford Plumbing can advise you on reputable battery backup brands and install them professionally, a critical safeguard during heavy storms.

Upgrading or Replacing Old Sump Pumps

As sump pumps age and near the end of their lifespan, typically 7-10 years, upgrading to a newer model can provide more reliable and efficient operation.

Newer sump pumps often have improved motors and switches for extended durability, quieter performance so you hardly notice them running, and integrated battery backup systems to maintain function during outages.

Higher-quality cast iron or thermoplastic sump pumps typically handle larger water volumes more effectively than their lower-end counterparts. Key upgrades to consider include:

• Larger horsepower motors that can pump approximately 190-230 litres per minute
• Dual float switch triggers for optimal automated on/off functionality
• Integrated battery backup power system
• Thicker piping and incorporating an air relief hole to prevent airlocks in upgraded check valves, the latter being a crucial component for preventing water back up
• Waterproof thermoplastic construction

Our licensed plumbers can evaluate if your aged pump is a liability, recommend modern, reliable models, and manage professional installation.

Seeking Professional Assistance

It’s beneficial to attain professional assistance when you’re uncertain about sump pump functionality or require standard upkeep.

Carlingford Plumbing offers a suite of services for all your sump pump needs, including:

• Getting a new sump pump installed in your residence
• Repairs and replacement of broken or faulty sump pumps
• Upgrades to higher capacity pumps or backup power systems
• Annual maintenance checks and servicing
• Sump pit cleaning and debris removal
• Fixing clogged or leaking discharge lines
• Waterproofing basements and foundation walls

Our licenced experts possess the expertise and are well-prepared to handle job complexities involving any sump pump issues, always in line with Carlingford’s specific plumbing codes. We use only high-quality equipment from reliable brands when need arises for installing or replacing sump pumps.

Carlingford Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency response so we can get your sump pump working again quickly before extensive water damage threatens your home. Contact us anytime at 1300 349 338 or [email protected] for assistance maintaining or repairing your sump pump system.