Sump Pump Failures (And How To Prevent Them)

Problem: POWER FAILURE Solution: BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM

Heavy rainstorms and power failures can go hand in hand. If the power goes out, you sump pump may not work, and your basement can flood. We recommend a PumpSpy Battery Backup System. It has a backup sump pump and battery so if the power goes out, the battery backup will still power your pump.

Problem: STUCK SWITCH Solution: ADJUST SWITCH POSITION

This is one of the most common problems for a sump pump to fail. Make sure the switch has plenty of room so it doesn’t get stuck against the pump. Moving the position of the switch or cleaning the area around it can remedy this problem.

Problem: PUMP IS TOO SMALL Solution: LARGER PUMP AND/OR BACKUP PUMP

If your pump isn’t the right size for the amount of water entering the basin, it can easily become overwhelmed, which means a flooded basement. Make sure your primary pump is at least 1/3 HP (larger if you live in an area with a high water table). Or you can install a PumpSpy Battery Backup System which has a backup pump that pumps more per hour than any other backup system, and can easily handle the excess water.

Problem: CLOGGED OR FROZEN DISCHARGE LINE Solution: FREEZFLOW / BASIN LID

If your discharge line become clogged or frozen, flood water will flow back down the pipe and flood your basement. Installing a FreezFlow to your outside discharge line will let the water discharge through the specially designed vents, preventing a backup in your basement. Also covering your sump pump basin with a lid will prevent debris and small critters (mice) from entering the basin and clogging the pump and line. 

Problem: SMELL COMING FROM BASIN Solution: CLEAN BASIN AND PUMP

If you have excessive odors coming from the pump, dropping a chlorine tablet in the basin every few months should help get rid of any algae growth causing the smell. Chlorine will also help neutralize any iron ore algae and prevent it from clogging the pump.

Problem: OLD PUMP Solution: NEW PUMP / BACKUP PUMP

How much your sump pump is used will determine how long it will last. Some pumps may last up to 7 years or more. If you pump is constantly running due to a high water table in your area, the lifespan may only be 3-5 years, or less. Having a PumpSpy Battery Backup System will give you a backup pump in case your primary pump fails due to age. And the FREE 24/7 Monitoring Service will send you updates and alerts so you know the status of your sump pump system. This will come in handy if you ever have a problem (IMPORTANT: Insurance companies may reject homeowners basement flooding claims if they can’t prove their sump pump was well maintained). Reliable Contractor Services aka Reliable Basement and Drain, LLC is a certified installer of PumpSpy sump pump back up products in the Cleveland ,OH area.

Problem: PUMP NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED Solution: CALL RELIABLE CONTRACTOR SERVICES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

If your pump isn’t working properly, it may have been installed incorrectly. You can check it yourself, or call RELIABLE CONTRACTOR SERVICES if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself.

Some issues you may want to check:

  1. Is there a Check Valve on the discharge line and is it working?
  2. Is there an air relief hole in the discharge line?
  3. Is your pump sitting/packed in gravel which could interfere with the on/off switch and float arm.

Problem: DEFECTIVE PUMP Solution: TEST IT FIRSTThough unlikely, you may have gotten a defective pump. Make sure to test it after installation to make sure it is working properly.”

Reliable Contractor Services provides expert Northeast Ohio residential, commercial, municipal and industrial plumbing, drainage and foundation waterproofing services. With Over 10,000 customers since 1999, we have a Better Business Bureau A+ rating and are a multiple recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service award. OH license #23730.

They also provide new technology solutions in Trenchless Pipe, Sewer Jetting Vacuum Services, and Genera and Hydro Excavation. 24/7 Emergency Services available.  Other services include sewer cleaning and backflow devices, septic tank repair/replacement, water heaters, sump pump and PumpSpy sump pump monitoring system certified installer, video pipe inspection and high pressure jetting. Did you know that 85% of newly built homes experiences a water problem within the first three years? With this fact in mind, even if you are one of the lucky few that have never had to experience a damp musty smelling basement or crawlspace, why take the risk? Waterproof your property now! And the best plumbers and (big and small) drain specialist in the Cleveland area! They are your one stop shop (we do all the work with no subcontractors).

From repairing that kitchen and bathroom sink to clearing tree roots from main lines. Call Reliable Contractor Services today at 440-324-2380 or schedule online

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