What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?

The most common mechanical problem that causes a sump pump failure is a stuck switch. This primarily occurs when the pump shifts inside the basin, causing the float that operates the switch to become ineffective by lodging itself against the side of the pump.

How long do sump pumps last on average?

Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won't last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working. And once it does, water damage to your home and the belongings within it can follow closely behind.

What causes a sump pump to stop working?

If a sump pump won't turn on, it may not be receiving power, the float switch or impeller is jammed, there's a defective component or the pump needs to be replaced. Make sure the unit has power. Check to see that it's plugged in and that the circuit has power via the home's main electrical panel.

What are common sump pump problems?

How do I know if my sump pump is clogged?

Sump pumps typically expel any water collected via discharge lines. When discharge lines become frozen or clogged, the system fails. Discharge lines should be clear and covered.

6 Things Sump Pump Owners NEED to Know

How often should a sump pump be replaced?

Even if you have professionally installed a quality product, a sump pump should be replaced every 7-10 years. Typically located in a basin on your basement floor, your sump pump collects excess water from drains and redirects it away from the house.

How do you clear a clogged sump pump?

Avoid pulling up on the float switch or power cord. Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.

How often do sump pumps fail?

Years of wear and tear eventually result in the inevitable failure your sump pump after 7 to 10 years of use. While some sump pumps can exceed well after this time period, it is recommended that you consider replacing your sump pump after 10 years to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Will my basement flood if sump pump fails?

If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.

How often should a sump pump run during heavy rain?

How long should a sump pump run after heavy rain? It's normal for sump pumps to run two to three days after heavy rain.

Should there be water in my sump pump pit?

It's perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump's float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.

Can I replace a sump pump myself?

When your home has a sump pump, you want it working to keep rainwater out of your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it, it's a DIY job you can handle yourself.

What shortens the life span of a sump pump?

One of the main and biggest causes of a sump pumps natural life span being shortened is a lack of maintenance. Having a regular schedule set up with a trained sump pump specialist is a sure fire way to keep your sump pump healthy, lengthen its lifespan and get the most out of your waterproofing investment.

How much is a good sump pump?

Sump pump costs range from $639 to $1,977, with the national average at $1,257. If you need to move water away from your home's foundation and prevent it from seeping into the basement, you need a sump pump. A sump pump is installed at the lowest point in the basement in a sump hole or pit.

Which sump pumps last the longest?

Pedestal sump pumps have a particularly long lifespan because the motor is held up on a pedestal above the water, while submersible sump pumps may last for less time because of the constant contact with water.

Does insurance cover a failed sump pump?

For a standard homeowners insurance policy, the simple answer to that question is "no." On many policies, water damage or a flooded basement from a sump pump failure, overflow, or sewer backup is considered an uncovered peril.

Does insurance cover sump pump flooding?

In most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure. However, this type of coverage can be easily added on to your homeowners policy in the form of what's called an “endorsement.”

Where does water go if sump pump fails?

Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home. That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.

How many cycles does a sump pump last?

So the trade off for the few dozen extra cycles on the switch of your main sump pump isn't worth the risk of flooding your basement (and most pump switches average 100,000 cycles anyway).

What clogs a sump pump?

When the sump pump inlet clogs often because debris regularly enters the sump basin, consider addressing the source of the debris. For example, when a downspout is attached to a foundation drain that leads to the sump pump, install a screen in the downspout to catch leaves and other debris.

What drains into sump pump?

Usually, sump pumps are installed in specially constructed sump pits. Water flows into the sump pit through drains or by natural water migration through the soil. The sump pump's job is to pump the water out of the pit and away from the building so the basement or crawlspace stays dry.

Do sump pumps require maintenance?

Water from under or around your home drains into a sump pump pit, and is then pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance you may have in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly.

How do I test a sump pump?

The first way to test the sump pump is to trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Both cables should be unplugged, and only the pump cord should be plugged into the outlet. If you hear a humming sound when turning on the pump, the pump works.