Sump pump problems
If your sump pump isn’t working properly, then you should deal with the problem immediately. It can make the difference between a dry basement and a flooded basement. Here are a few tips on what to check.
Safety precautions
Be very careful when working with the pump. Water and electricity don’t usually mix well. it can be very dangerous to work with the pump if it’s connected to an electrical source. Make sure you disconnect it from power and also wear rubber boots.
Power source
One of the most common problem can be the power source. Maybe it’s not a pump problem, but an outlet one. Check the power outlet and see if it works. If it does, then it’s a problem with the pump.
Float switch
Sump pumps usually have a float switch, which power them up when the water level is above a certain height. If the sump pump is not being powered, then this can one of the causes.
Feeling the pump
Usually, sump pumps vibrate, even when they are not pushing water. So feel it and see if it works. If it does vibrate, but does not push water, then maybe the hoses are clogged or the screen in the drain pipe is clogged. Make sure they are clean and then start the pump again.
Drain pipe
You can see if the drain pipe is clogged by disconnecting the sump pump from the pipe and by seeing if the sump pump evacuated water. If it does, then the drain pipe is clogged.