Maintenance
What to Do If Your Sump Pump Fails From a Power Outage
When a power outage strikes, a backup sump pump is essential. A backup pump will not only function when power is lost but also activate if your primary pump cannot keep up with the volume. This is very important in Westmont, where storms are common and power outages can last for days.
A failed sump pump can be caused by many factors, the most common of which is a loss of electrical power. Even a short power outage can cause a basement to flood. In 2016, the average Westmont home lost power for four hours, and it could last longer if a storm is especially bad. This is where it’s crucial to be prepared with a sump pump.
Another reason for a failed sump pump is rust or a clog in the discharge line. This clog can occur because of water freezing or rust forming in the discharge line. Regardless of the cause, the water must flow out of the discharge line for the sump pump to work properly.
Power outages are common during heavy rains, which can knock out power to a home. When this happens, homeowners who depend on their sump pumps are at risk of severe flooding. Knowing how to handle a failed sump pump from a downed power line is crucial for homeowners in flood-prone areas.
The best way to deal with a flooded basement is to call a professional. Even if you think you can handle the problem yourself, a faulty sump pump can lead to massive water damage to your basement. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep your sump pump cleaned and working properly. Regularly running a vinegar solution through it and cleaning out any air holes on the discharge line will help keep the area safe for water and debris.
Resetting the sump pump
If you have a sump pump, it may be necessary to reset it after a power outage. To reset it, simply unplug it for a few seconds and plug it back in. However, this may not prevent the pump from malfunctioning.
If the pump does not turn on, check its switch or motor. A damaged switch or motor may prevent it from working. You should also check its weep hole to make sure that no debris is blocking the pump. If it is not, it may be time to replace the sump pump.
Sometimes a power outage may occur without warning. This can cause a blown fuse or circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker is blown, the sump pump will not run until you reset it. This can be a major inconvenience, but it can save your basement.
When a power outage occurs, you should attempt to reset the pump by manually flipping the switch. If you cannot do this, you may need to replace the sump pump motor or switch. However, this should be relatively easy. If the sump pump does not turn on, you can try to test the float switch manually without water in it. This can help you determine whether the pump float switch is working properly or if something else is causing the problem.
One of the most common reasons for a sump pump to fail is an electrical power outage. If you live in a neighborhood where power outages are common, you should ensure that your sump pump has a backup battery to extend the pump’s life and prevent flooding and the need foe water damage restoration.
Using a Backup Generator
Using a backup generator to run your sump pump is an excellent way to avoid flooding if your main pump fails during a power outage. Properly installed, this device will kick in automatically when the power is out and switch over to the sump pump and any other necessary appliances. However, it is important to note that battery backup systems have both pros and cons. While they may not be as effective as a backup generator, they can still provide you with adequate protection in case of a power outage.
Power outages can occur for several reasons. Sometimes animals can cause damage to power lines, and sometimes old electrical equipment is the culprit. It is also possible for your sump pump to stop working after a power outage, so using a backup generator is a wise choice.
When using a backup generator for your sump pump, you need to make sure that it does not put too much load on the generator. You should also check whether the backup generator comes with an automatic start feature, and make sure that you have enough fuel on hand.
Power outages can result in a lot of damage to residential properties, including flooded basements. Using a backup generator to run your sump pump will ensure that your basement stays dry, and you won’t have to worry about any water damage.
Improperly sized sump pump
A properly sized sump pump is a vital part of any basement drainage system. Failure of this system can be caused by a number of different factors. For example, a power outage during a storm can cause the pump to stop working. Other causes are improper installation or a switch/float arm problem. When a pump fails, it is essential to have a back-up generator or an automatic surge protection device.
Sump pumps are crucial for the safety of your basement. If they fail, it can lead to serious water damage or flooding. You should also pay attention to any warning signs, such as a malfunctioning discharge pipe. If the discharge pipe becomes clogged, water may back up into the home, causing major water damage.
A clogged discharge pipe can also cause a sump pump to fail. This pipe runs from the sump pit to the exterior space, and if it becomes clogged, the pump will not work. In order to prevent this, it is best to keep debris and rocks out of the pipe. It’s also a good idea to protect the discharge pipe with a grate or screened vent cap.
The most common reason for a sump pump to fail is an electrical power outage. While the best solution to prevent flooding is to have a backup generator, it won’t fix mechanical issues with the pump. Nevertheless, a backup generator can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Improperly sized sump pump valve
In the event of a power outage, the first thing to do is check that your sump pump is receiving power. If it is, make sure that it is plugged in to the proper circuit. If not, you may have to reset the outlet and circuit breakers.
Lastly, check the float switch. If it is stuck, it may be clogged with dirt or debris. You can also check the switch manually to ensure that it moves up and down. If it doesn’t, replace the float switch with a new one.
If the sump pump fails to drain water, it can drain into your basement. This isn’t an uncommon occurrence. The sump pump requires electricity to function, and a storm may knock out power lines and cause the pump to shut down.
Improper installation or malfunctioning check valve are other reasons why a sump pump may fail to discharge water. Check valves are necessary to prevent the water from leaking back into the sump pit. Improperly installed sump pumps may also have problems with the float switch or discharge pipe. If these issues are the causes of your sump pump failure, you should consult a plumbing professional immediately.
Improperly sized sump pumps are more likely to fail to remove water from the basement. These pumps may be unable to handle excessive rainfall or have a smaller capacity than they are intended to handle. The best option in most cases is to install a sump pump that comes with a backup battery or gas generator to handle the load. A trusted plumber can help you select the right equipment and ensure that it is ready to go when you need it most.
The pumps in your Westmont basement are a vital part of your safe and clean home environment. If you have doubts about your pump’s performance, you can add a separate pump, (a backup sump pump, battery powered) in case of failure of your primary pump.
You can keep them running safely and properly with DIY maintenance or by contacting one of our team at Sump Pump Gurus in Westmont. Our technicians are expertly trained and here to serve you. Call Sump Pump Gurus, we’re standing by to help you resolve your sump pump and sewage ejector pump problems.