Sump pumps are an essential part of many homes in Syracuse, NY. When the coastal rains come and cause flooding, you rely on your sump pump to keep water out of your home. Several things could be to blame if your sump pump isn’t removing water from your home as it should. Here are the top three reasons your sump pump isn’t working.
Tripped GFCI Outlet or Breaker
If your sump pump runs on the same breaker as other things, such as lights and appliances, it could cause the breaker to trip when it tries to start up. Sump pumps can draw a lot of power depending on their size. You should always check the breaker first. If it is tripped, you can try resetting it. If it continues to trip, you need to call an electrician to put your sump pump on an individual breaker.
According to the National Electrical Code, all new constructions must have sump pumps connected to a GFCI outlet. These outlets have a built-in breaker. Sometimes the power pulled by the sump pump upon start-up is enough to trip the outlet. You must press the reset button on the front of the outlet.
Clocked Impellor
Sump pumps have an impellor responsible for moving water out of the pit, ultimately removing it from your home. If the impellor becomes stuck or clogged by debris, it won’t be able to spin. The most obvious sign of this issue is when the motor runs but no water is pumped out. This issue can result in the engine becoming overheated and may require a total replacement. Therefore, it is essential to regularly clean your sump pump and ensure it is free of debris.
Stuck Float
Sump pumps have a float responsible for relaying to the pump when it needs to turn on and off. Much like a toilet float, it can become stuck. If the float gets stuck, it won’t tell your sump pump to turn off. Malfunctioning shut-offs result in the motor running dry, which causes it to overheat. As a result, the sump pump won’t turn on, and you will need to replace the engine or the entire sump pump. Regular sump pump maintenance can help prevent this issue from occurring.
If you have discovered a basement full of water and a sump pump that isn’t working, call us at Country Gentlemen Plumbing. We have been serving the area for nearly 50 years and can provide sump pump installations and repair.
