A sump pump acts as the first line of defense against flooding. If you’ve
a basement, you’ll know the importance of maintaining your sump pump. While the
sump pump is one of the best ways to deal with basement flooding, it could
worsen the existing condition when it fails. Even the best ones tend to fail
over time due to various reasons. Knowing the common sump problems can help you
make informed decisions and prevent basement flooding.
So, why do the
Sump Pump Fail?
Well, they’re mechanical devices and prone to malfunction due to various
reasons over time. Most sum pumps require a power source, and when it fails,
the pumps too fail. In addition, poorly designed and cheaply built sump pumps
can give sooner than they should, and improper installation can also cause sump
pumps to work inefficiently.
Here are the most common sump problems as suggested by plumber Markham:-
Overwhelmed Sump
Pump
There might come a time where a single pump won’t be enough to handle a
wet basement. The pump might not be reliable and powerful to handle the
pressure and volume of water pouring in it, especially during heavy rain. The
quality of the sump pump matters a lot. Cheap, plastic pipes are more likely to
fail and burst when you need it the most. If your sump pipe is too old or made
of poor quality materials, upgrade your sump pump and add a battery backup.
Power Failure
This is probably one of the major causes of sump pump failure. Your sump
pump is no different from any other electrical appliance in your house. Without
power, your sump pump won’t work. It’s better to invest in a high-quality
back-up sump pump to avoid flooding in your basement during a power outage.
Clogged Switches
and Sump Pump
There are a lot of reasons that can cause the switch that’s integrated
with the sump pump to fail. The cause of the broken switch might be dirt or
debris in the sump pit. Also, the float switch to maintain the sum pump may be
stuck. Emergency plumber Markham can inspect and
determine whether you need some basic maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Lack of
Maintenance
Fortunately, maintaining a sump pump is hassle-free. All you need to do
is pour some water into the crock occasionally to keep it running and
lubricated, especially during dry spells. But, this is often overlooked by most
homeowners. If you can’t maintain your pumps regularly, please call a
professional plumber to ensure the sump pump is prepared for upcoming rain
showers and thunderstorms.
Whether you need help with sump pump repairs or drain cleaning Markham, a reputed plumber can help you.