Unfortunately, most sump pump problems don’t surface until after the original warranty has expired. With an average lifespan of just about ten years, your sump pump may just be needing a new battery or it’s time for an upgrade. Many factors affect how well sump pumps operate, including age, maintenance routines, temperature and the amount of the sump, the depth of the hole in your foundation, and what kind of sump pit you have. Let’s take a look at some of the more common problems and what they mean for the longevity of your pump. The answers might shock you.
Older sump pumps often need batteries or other power sources to operate properly. Maintenance routines can include topping off the pit with sand, making sure there is enough gravel, and draining the liquid out periodically. If the pit is too deep, it may be necessary to use a float switch, which turns on the motor when the float reaches a certain level and shuts it off when it gets too deep. Newer models will have longer life spans, but if your pit isn’t big enough, you may need to get a sump pump lift to make it larger. Lifts are available for nearly every model, and some are slip-resistant so you don’t have to worry about them getting knocked over by a toddler.
Hot weather can damage your sump pump and its components. It’s important to place your pump in a well-ventilated area to avoid excessive heat and keep your pump running smoothly. During summer, it’s important to make sure your sump pit is not filled more than 40% of the way, otherwise, you are exposing your pump to extreme temperatures that can cause problems. When storing a sump pump during the winter months, always wrap it in a plastic liner to avoid any dust from blowing into the pump. Make sure the battery is properly maintained and replaced every few months.
Leaky pipes can be a problem with sump pumps, so you should check your pipes frequently. If you see any leaking, then you should probably get a new unit. A lot of older homes have faulty plumbing, so it’s a good idea to check all your pipes to make sure they are working properly. Leaky pipes can be particularly hazardous if left unchecked, as they are more likely to break or leak and cause flooding.
Although not usually thought of as a serious issue, rust can cause problems with your sump pump. If your pump begins to rust, it may leak, and it could also cause a great deal of trouble. The easiest way to prevent this is to use an anti-rust liquid that you pour down the sump hole. If the pump stops working after this, then you probably have a problem with rust somewhere else on your pump.
You also need to watch out for your sump pump if you have a water heater. Make sure that your water heater does not get hot while it’s in use, and that it does not get too hot. If you use a sump pump near a water heater, this can cause serious damage. If you have a basement water heater, you should keep it in the back of a work shed or in a room that is dark, cool, and dry. The heat generated by the water heater can actually cause the pump to overheat and could cause it to overflow. This is why many new homes now have basement heaters instead of just regular water heaters.
It’s also a good idea to know how to repair some common problems with your sump pump. You should never just jump in your truck and try to repair it, no matter how much money you saved on a cheap replacement part. While it’s possible to save a few bucks by bypassing the pump entirely and just replacing the drainage pipe, you might end up ruining the pump. If you can’t find the exact problem, the only thing you can do is figure out which one of the pipes is leaking, then by replacing that and getting a new pump, you’ll be solving your problem.
Finally, make sure that you never turn on your sump pump if it’s too hot outside. You should always wait until it has had ample time to cool off before trying to turn it on or even after it’s been turned on. This is because certain types of pumps require more power to function than others, and if it gets too hot, it might actually blow up. You don’t want to put your life in danger like that, so make sure that your sump pump is shut off when it’s not hot enough to warrant turning it on. It’s better to call the professionals Plumbers to fix those issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry.