Will A Sump Pump Overflow?
Although these useful tools can be used to remove high volumes of water, there is a chance that a heavy storm can cause some havoc which means you will need to know what to do if the worst happens. It’s a good idea to stick one in your basement to prevent flooding but if there is a power cut or an unexpected influx of water, what will happen to the sump pump? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is A Sump Pump?
We get this question from time to time, a lot of people know of them but aren’t sure what they are used for. A sump is submerged in water and pulls it up and away from the area, draining in a place of your choosing via a hose.
Placed at the lowest point, a sump pump removes standing water and prevents flooding.
So, Can They Overflow?
Although it is not common for a reliable product to overflow, it can happen. Certain circumstances can mean the pump is not operational such as a power cut or a failure in the product itself.
Also, when there is a flash storm they can be overwhelmed if there is a particularly bad bout of rain and if the basin has debris clogging it up, this can cause it to malfunction. Some of them cannot be prevented or planned for but there are times where a good clean can help.
Why Might A Sump Pump Overflow?
The first thing to check is that the pump has power. The electric might not be working in the area you are using it so even if other rooms have power, make sure it is connected to a live electrical outlet.
A blown fuse is often a culprit for the sump pump not working so it may be as simple as replacing it before you can get it operational again. Another common reason is that there is a blockage in the drainage pipe. This will cause the whole device to be ineffective. When checking most of these potential problems, make sure the sump pump is unplugged before you start playing with electricity and water.
If, after you have checked all of these potential issues the pump is still not working, it might be time to look for a new sump pump.
What To Do When A Sump Pump Overflows
Some fixes are simple and if you haven’t tried unplugging it and plugging it back in a few times in a row, starting the engine before turning it off, then this is a good place to start.
After you have checked the drainage pipe and cleared any debris you may get some luck. If turning it off and on a few times works, it can still be a good idea to have it serviced by a professional as there may be electrical faults at play. If this is the case, some sump pumps are beyond repair which means it might be time to look for a new one.
How Can I Tell If My Sump Pump Is On Its Way Out?
If you are worried about its longevity and feel like it might be on the brink of failing soon, you may have experienced some of the following signs.
If a sump pump rattles as the engine is on, this is often an indication that you might not be able to get much more out of it. Grinding noises are also common in old sump pumps. The risk you run with sticking with a failing sump pump is that you might come home to a flooded basement which can cause expensive repair work.
Another telltale sign is if the sump pump is running more frequently than usual. If you notice the engine running when there is no water to clear or there hasn’t been any rain for some time, this can be a sign of a faulty sump pump.
How Long Does A Sump Pump Last?
This depends on many factors, notably the brand and model but also the amount of use it is put through. However, these products tend to give you around 10 years of use before they stop working.
You may be able to extend this if you maintain the pump to a high standard but anything close to 10 years and you have gotten a good amount of service from it.
How Much Is A Sump Pump?
If you’ve gotten good use out of your current product but are due an upgrade then technology has probably changed significantly since you purchased your first. Not only are they more energy efficient but can move large bodies of water a lot faster when you buy a quality product.
The average spend on a sump pump is around $1,000. Some are more affordable as well as those high-end products that cost more but expect to part with something close to this amount.
Is A Sump Pump Worth It?
If you are concerned about flooding in a basement or wish to drain a well then a sump pump is pretty much a necessity. Not only do they stop you from having to pay a lot more in structural damage which can be caused by standing water.
By removing water from a basement, a sump pump can also protect the health of anyone who lives in the home. Someone who lives in an area that gets a lot of rainfall or a place that has been flooded before should consider getting the best sump pump they can afford.
Will A Sump Pump Keep A Basement Dry?
A sump pump has many benefits and although it can take bodies of water and relieve a basement of moisture that comes from water, it cannot do anything about the humidity of the basement. When the air is favorable to mold, it will grow.
However, by removing standing water, a sump pump does rid the area of one problem that can cause mold to expand.
