5 Common Sump Pump Issues and How to Fix Them in Richmond, Kentucky
Richmond, Kentucky, receives its fair share of downpours. Some seasons bring a week and a half of rainy days. During this time, low-lying houses with basements and crawl spaces become catchalls for the excess watershed, so sump pumps are an essential feature.
Still, if you want to protect the lowermost level of your home from flood and water damage, the common sump pump issues listed below aren’t helpful. Read on as Elite Performance Plumbing’s top plumber in Richmond, KY, describes these issues and possible solutions to help you navigate them.
The Pump’s Capacity Is Too Low
When you purchase a new sump pump, you want its capacity to match the amount of water that might enter your home. Pumps with inadequate capacities can’t keep up with high-gallon demands. They’ll pump away without making a sufficient dent in the floodwaters, subjecting your space to extensive water damage, mold risks, and more. Additionally, risks of old plumbing pipes can exacerbate drainage issues, so it’s essential to ensure your plumbing system is in good shape alongside the sump pump.
Is your current sump pump too small? Install another pump to help shoulder the load! Anything you can do to keep water flowing out of the area will be beneficial during and after a big Richmond storm.
The Discharge Line Has a Blockage
Water travels through the discharge pipe to reach the outdoor area relegated for drainage. The impeller pulls this water through the pump and sends it into the discharge pipe. However, a line or impeller blockage will keep water pooling in the crawl space or basement for long periods.
Regularly inspect the sump pump’s impeller and pipe openings for:
- Dead leaves
- Twigs
- Dirt clods
- Rocks
- Pieces of trash
Remove any visible debris to prevent water backup. You need a plumber’s take on the potential sump pump issues if the clog is deeper.
The Unit Isn’t Getting Electricity
Sump pumps require electricity to operate. It makes sense that any power failure would cause a major problem. The following situations might disrupt the electrical flow to your pump:
- Power outages
- Tripped breakers
- Unplugged cords
Does the rest of your home have power? Next, check for tripped breakers and that the pump is securely plugged in.
You Haven’t Properly Maintained or Installed Your Pump
Your household appliances function when component networks work together harmoniously, and your sump pump is no different. However, sump pump issues frequently arise with poorly installed or maintained devices.
Did someone forget to attach an elemental component to the machine? For instance, the check valve ensures water doesn’t flow back into your basement after the pump intercepts it. An installer who doesn’t know what they’re doing might easily leave the check valve out of the picture.
Do you suspect your machine’s installation was subpar? Contact a reputable sump pump service like Elite Performance Plumbing in Richmond, Kentucky, for an inspection or the following options:
- Monthly inspections and cleanings. Looks for and removes any debris surrounding the pump. This is important if your washing machine drains water via the pump.
- Quarterly detail cleanings. Removes and rinses the inlet screen and carefully examines other visible pump parts for blockages and loose components.
- Annual maintenance services. A pump technician visits to professionally inspect and maintain the pump each year.
Maintenance ensures reliable sump pump performance – and fewer watery surprises!
You Need to Adjust the Switch
Did you know that your sump pump features a float switch to detect incoming water levels? When it senses a surge, it brings the pump to life and triggers drainage operations. Once the water levels recede, it signals for the pump to stop.
That little switch gets stuck sometimes, in which case, it can’t do its job. Gently knock the float switch loose and see if your pump kicks on.
How Residents of Richmond, Kentucky, Avoid Sump Pump Issues
In the area’s rainy season, sump pump issues are fairly common but not something you should have to get used to. Proactively keep up with your pump’s maintenance requirements by:
- Inspect problematic parts: Check the float switch is in its proper position, and the pump plug is in an outlet.
- Clean discharge systems: Remove clogs impeding the discharge line and impeller.
- Test run the pump: Pour water into the pit to trigger pump functions, but ensure it drains fully afterward.
- Install battery backups: Keep your pump running, including during power outages.
- Book professional services: Plumbers use increasingly advanced technology to diagnose and fix household appliances. Some companies already use machine learning for leak detection and more.
Elite Performance Plumbing Can Fix Your Sump Pump Troubles in Richmond, Kentucky
Make sump pump issues things of a bygone era with Elite Performance Plumbing’s sump pump services in Richmond, Kentucky. Book your service online today.
