Has your sump pump stopped working? With the recent weather, it’s not uncommon for those of us living in this area. You know how Ohio weather can be; it can always cause an array of various home-related problems. Especially with the snow melting and rain during the winter season, sump pump issues are in full swing. And when your sump pump stops working, trust us, you don’t want to put it off.  

Sump pumps are designed to pump excess water out through the discharge pipe and safely away from your home’s foundation. So, when a sump pump suddenly stops working, it can quickly lead to basement flooding and a whole bunch of other disasters. But don’t worry; our team at Springboro Plumbing & Drain is here to help! We’re here to help you know how to troubleshoot the issue and make sure everything is working smoothly. Plus, you don’t have to wait for a problem to arise to read through these tips and keep them in your back pocket for future reference.   

Here Are a Few Steps You Can Try to Pinpoint the Issue: 

Power Supply: Power outages are a top culprit of a malfunctioning sump pump. Whether it was caused by a severe storm or a tripped circuit breaker, if your sump pump has stopped working, the first thing you should do is confirm that the sump pump is plugged in and is receiving power. If not, you should also test the outlet with another device to verify if the outlet is the problem. You can also restart the pump by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Although this may work, keep in mind that it may only be a temporary fix.      

Pump Motor: Try to listen to the pump motor for any strange noises. If the motor isn’t running, just check the circuit breaker and reset it if needed. 

Sump Pump Pit: Let’s take a closer look at the sump pump pit also known as the pump basin. It is time to see what’s going on inside. Take a peek into the sump pump basin and keep an eye out for any debris, dirt, or even ice build-up. If you come across any, make sure to remove it so it doesn’t get in the way of the pump’s impeller.   

Float Switch: Let’s inspect the float switch next. Take a look for any debris that needs to be cleared out and make sure the float switch is moving freely. If the float is stuck or frozen, it won’t be able to activate the pump like it should. 

Check Valve: To test the check (or overflow) valve, let’s start by making sure it’s installed properly. Check if there’s any debris blocking the valve. Also, keep an eye out for any clogs in the pipe above, as they can affect the valve’s functionality. When the check valve is working as it should, it stops water from flowing back into the sump pit. 

Discharge Pipe: If your basement is flooded and the water isn’t being discharged away from your home, there’s a good chance that the discharge pipe is clogged. So, let’s shift our attention to finding and checking on that discharge pipe. 

Weeping Hole: Another thing you’ll want to check is the weeping hole. Your sump pumps should have a small hole on the discharge pipe that is designed to release air and keep everything running properly. When this weeping hole gets blocked, the pump will not function accordingly. If there is a clog in the weeping hole, it will need to be cleared out.     

Pump Size: If your sump pump is overwhelmed because it’s not the right size for your space, it won’t be able to handle the large amounts of water coming its way. If you’ve experienced this problem multiple times, it might be worth considering an upgrade to prevent it happening again and again.  

You got this! With a little determination and some focused DIY troubleshooting, you should be able to find the source of your sump pump problem. Dealing with sump pump issues in cold weather is never fun, but remember that safety comes first! So take your time, move slowly and carefully as you assess your situation, and go through each troubleshooting step carefully.  

Call a Professional Plumber IF:

Still scratching your head, trying to figure out what’s going on? Don’t worry; we’re here to help! If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and the issue still persists, it might be time to reach out to us. Our team can professionally diagnose the problem and get your sump pump up and running again. It’s important to have a licensed plumber inspect your sump pump and identify any underlying issues. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! 

Here Are Some Helpful Sump Pump Tips:   

Before we wrap this up, there are a few valuable tips you can do to help maintain your sump pump going forward: 

If you want to keep your sump running smoothly, it’s a great idea to get into the habit of quickly checking on it every now and then. All you have to do is make sure everything is running smoothly, and there are no strange sounds coming from it. 

Make sure to keep the area around the sump pump clear of any clutter, random objects, or loose debris. You see, loose debris can cause all sorts of problems with your sump pump. It can clog up the system and prevent it from working properly. That’s why it’s important to always have a secure lid in place to keep any unwanted particles out. By doing so, you’ll ensure that debris won’t interfere with the pump and everything will run smoothly. 

Your plumbing system is like the heart of your home, and, unfortunately, there are so many things that can go wrong with it if it’s not properly taken care of! That’s why it’s super important to put your home in the hands of someone you can really trust. At Springboro Plumbing & Drain, we strive to be just that! Our main focus is our customers are our top priority. We genuinely care about your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.  

If you’re dealing with any plumbing issues, you can count on Springboro Plumbing & Drain to help you out. Call us today at (937) 912-1338, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!