If water seepage is a problem in your Waterford area home, chances are you have a sump pump in your basement. But what is a sump pump, and why is it important? Well, a sump pump helps keep the basement dry and safe from water problems. But like all home appliances, sump pumps can have some problems. In this blog, Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will share six common sump pump problems that affect homeowners.
1. Sump Pump Doesn’t Turn On
If you turn the switch on to the sump pump and nothing happens, it definitely won’t help you when water comes. One reason this happens is because of electrical problems. Sump pumps need electricity to work. So, if the power goes out or there’s an issue with the electrical wiring, your sump pump won’t turn on. To fix this, you’ll need to call an electrician.
2. Makes Strange Noises
If your sump pump starts making strange noises like groaning or grinding, that indicates a problem. These noises typically happen when something gets stuck in the pump or there’s an issue with the sump pump notice. To fix this, call Kotz to schedule one of our professionally trained plumbers to check it out.
3. Sump Pump Runs Too Often
If your sump pump runs more often than it should, it will definitely wear out faster. This happens when there’s too much water going into the sump pit. It can be because of heavy rain or water leaks in your basement. To help your sump pump, you can fix any leaks and make sure rainwater doesn’t go into the pit. To ensure the problem is fully taken care of, call Kotz for quick and efficient plumbing repairs.
4. Runs Continuously
Sometimes, your sump pump doesn’t know when to stop working. It keeps running even when there’s no water to pump out. This can happen if the float switch gets stuck. The float switch is like a traffic light for your sump pump. It tells it when to stop and go. If it’s stuck, your sump pump will keep running and use a lot of electricity. You can call a Kotz plumber to fix the float switch and make your sump pump stop when it should.
5. Sump Pump Overflows
Sump pumps can overflow when the sump pit gets clogged with dirt and debris. When that happens, the water can’t go out, and it goes all over your basement. To prevent this, you should check the pit for debris and clean it if needed. A clean sump pit will help keep your sump pump running as it should.
6. Stops Working During a Storm
Your sump pump can stop working during a storm, and that’s not good. It can happen if the power goes out because of a storm. To prepare for this, you can get a battery backup for your sump pump. Even if the power goes out, your sump pump can keep working and protect your basement.
In conclusion, sump pumps protect your basement from water problems. But sometimes they can have some problems too. If your sump pump doesn’t turn on, starts making strange noises, runs too often, runs continuously, overflows, or stops working during a storm, don’t worry! By taking care of your sump pump, you can make sure it’s always ready to save the day and keep your basement dry and safe.
To keep your sump pump in tip top shape or for any plumbing needs, call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We’ve been putting customers first for over 90 years!
