Tips to Troubleshoot When Your Sump Pump Goes Out

When it comes to your sump pump going out, you can quickly be up to your neck in it if you don’t get it taken care of quickly. A sump pump is a vital component to keeping your basement, and other spaces where water tends to collect, safe from damage. This is especially true for wetter and cooler climates like that of Detroit, MI.

The US Department of Housing and Development estimates that the average life expectancy of a sump pump is about ten years. If your pump quits working much earlier than this, there are some steps for troubleshooting to see if it still has some life left.

Sump Pumps Save Homeowners from Major Water Damage

Thanks to a pressure sensor or float activator in the system, sump pumps are designed to kick on automatically when water needs to be pumped out of an area where it has collected. Once it is running, an impeller within the pump spins to push the water out which exits through a discharge line.

Home and business owners should have an idea as to the conditions that cause water to build up and require their sump pump to begin working. This way owners know when to check and make sure the pump is doing its job. If a sump pump fails when it is needed most and there is no one keeping an eye on it, flooding can soon follow, which leaves you susceptible to thousands of dollars in damage.

Excess water can wreak havoc on a home or office’s foundation, carpeting, personal belongings, framing, and drywall. This is in addition to the environmental hazards of mold and mildew that often accompany water damage.

Regular Sump Pump Maintenance is Minimal but Vital

General maintenance is critical in keeping your sump pump in tip top shape and is also critical in filing an insurance claim if you were to experience damage due to a malfunctioning pump. Regular cleaning and removal of debris that can find its way around the pump is a good place to start.

Checking the discharge line, troubleshooting the switch, and clearing debris like leaves or dirt from the water pit should be your first moves when it quits working. If you are unsure whether or not your sump pump is dead or just needs a little TLC to get it back up to speed, a waterproofing expert like those at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing can provide all you need.

Call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing at (586) 949-7826 or use our online contact form to request more information on troubleshooting your sump pump.