Fix those easy sump pump repair problems yourself

If you can carry out your own sump pump repair you can save not only a lot of money, but also a lot of time. And time can be very important when sump pump suddenly fails.

This is especially true of float problems - generally the most common problem associated with the operation of a sump pump. When the water rises, a buoyant float rises with the water and turns on the pump. If the float fails it is unable to detect the water level, and the whole system is rendered inoperable. Luckily, the most common problem is that the float operation has been impeded by surrounding debris and can easily be freed. However, this is often discovered only after the water has risen enough to cause significant damage.

The remedy here is to keep the sump pit clear of debris that can foul the float. Regularly check the pit for any debris, and also check out the basement for anything close to the pit that can fall in. Test the float itself since they can burn out over time. Fill the pit up with water and making sure it both starts and stops the sump pump as designed.

Sometimes a check valve may have been installed wrongly. These are non-return, or anti siphon valves that make sure that water cannot flow back into the sump when the pump stops. The arrow on the valve should be pointing away from the pump. If installed wrongly the pump cannot push water out, and in fact, can allow water into the sump.

If your system has a weep hole, make sure it's clear of any build up or bugs that might have made a home there. A weep hole is is a small hole between the pump and the check valve designed to let any air locks to clear before reaching the check valve. Any pipe cleaner, toothpick or paperclip is useful for clearing out a weep hole plugged with bug stuff or buildup.

Another pump problem is the impeller jamming. If the pump suddenly stops working, or starts whining, it could be the impeller has been jammed by debris that was sucked up into the pump. There should be a filter in the system to prevent debris getting to the pump, but if this is damaged or missing then a jam is possible. If this happens you will need to have the debris removed from the pipe work, or impeller chamber.

Remove the impeller - it is usually bolted on, and carefully remove anything that is jamming the impeller. Try not to damage the rubber impeller or you will reduce the efficiency of the pump. Give it a good clean-out, and replace the casing using new gaskets and sealant. Reinstall and try it out by filling the sump with water.

If the float and everything else seem to be in good condition, but the pump still is not starting, then an electrical fault is likely. Carry out the obvious checks such as resetting the circuit breaker or checking fuses, then check the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. If these are OK, then all you can do now is to check all the connections and make sure that nothing is loose. Otherwise it could be that a new pump is required.

Sump pumps do not last for ever, of course, and they will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. If the corrosion protection was sub standard it will last need replacing sooner. Nothing last forever, particularly an appliance that lives in such a hostile environment. But for simple issues, sump pump repair can be done by the homeowner. As always, know your limitations, and above all, call a professional if in doubt.