Common Causes Of Flood And Sump Pump Failure

If you are having problems with your sump pump, you should know that there are some common causes for its failure. These include a clogged or frozen discharge pipe, a frozen pump stand, and a faulty floating switch. If you cannot diagnose and resolve these problems, it’s time to get in touch with a qualified engineer.

Power Outage

If you live in an area that experiences power outages, you should check the flood and sump pump sensors Minneapolis MN, and protect your pump. A power outage can happen for many reasons, including animal activity, contacting poles, or a faulty electrical circuit. In addition, some electrical equipment can malfunction due to age.

A power outage is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure. If you live in an area where power outages are common, consider installing a backup generator. Another thing to do is regularly inspect and maintain your sump pump. These maintenance steps can help your sump pump last longer.

Clogged Or Frozen Discharge Pipe

Inadequately-sized sump pits cause water to collect in the pit quickly, triggering the appliance to shut off and on repeatedly. This can wear out the motor over time. Another common cause is a stuck switch. This can cause the device to cycle on and off constantly, or it can shift, causing debris to accumulate in the pump.

The discharge pipe, which runs from the sump pit to an exterior space, can also become clogged. The sump pump cannot remove water when the pipe becomes clogged with dirt or roots. To prevent this, install a grate over the pipe or protect it with a screened vent cap. The discharge pipe may also become frozen during colder months, so install insulation to prevent it from freezing.

The discharge pipe in a sump pump should be free from bends or dips. These interfere with the natural flow of the discharge pipe and prevent it from draining completely when the pump is shut off. Likewise, low points can create pockets of water, which freeze if left untreated. Ideally, a discharge pipe with a two-inch diameter should be used.

Clogged Or Frozen Pump Stand

The first step in resolving flooding problems is to inspect your pump for clogged or frozen pump stands. These conditions can cause the pump to fail to turn off or operate properly. Moreover, they can interfere with the float arm or the on/off switch. To prevent these issues, check your pump before installing it.

If you cannot activate the sump pump, check the power source. The pump must be plugged into the proper outlet, and the power must be present. Moreover, check the sump pump screen for dirt and debris. If the pump screen is clogged, dirt and debris may get into the pump motor and cause failure. Also, make sure that the drains are clear.

The discharge line is another common cause of flood & sump pump problems. The sump pump cannot pull water when the discharge pipe is clogged. The discharge pipe can be clogged with dirt, roots, rocks, and other materials. Moreover, it can freeze if the weather is cold. If the pump isn’t functioning due to this problem, call a certified water mitigation company to pump out the excess water.