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What Causes Sump Pump Failure?

Thursday, May 28th, 2020
sump pump failure

If a sump pump failure occurs, will you find out the hard way? Installed inside a covered basin in the basement floor, sump pumps tend not to get much attention—until they fail, that is. When the basin overflows with infiltrating groundwater that didn’t get properly pumped out, or a water pipe ruptures and the pump doesn’t actuate to prevent major basement flooding, the situation suddenly becomes obvious.

Here are a few likely causes of sump pump failure:

  • Clogged inlet screen. A screen on the inlet located at the bottom of the pump filters out debris that might clog the pump mechanism. If the pump screen and the basin aren’t cleaned at least once a year, debris accumulating on the screen may block the intake of water and the pump will fail to function when it’s needed.
  • Faulty float switch. As the level in the pump basin rises, a float switch actuates the pump to remove water. A stuck or defective switch means the pump doesn’t turn on and the basin rapidly overflows, causing basement water damage before it’s noticed.  
  • Burned out motor. While pump motors may fail simply from age, another cause is a defective float switch. In this case, the switch may actuate the pump correctly but fail to turn the pump off. The pump runs continuously and overheats, eventually failing completely. Because it’s installed in a basin down in the basement, a continuously running sump pump is often not obvious to residents upstairs.   
  • Defective backflow valve. As the pump empties the basin and turns off, a backflow valve located in the discharge line prevents water from flowing backward into the basin. If this valve is faulty, backflow into the basin will quickly trigger the pump to actuate again. The pump empties the basin, turns off, then activates again immediately due to backflow entering the basin. This continuous on-off-on operation will cause the pump to fail prematurely.

Annual sump pump maintenance is a good practice to ensure that when the pump’s needed most, it will do the job. Sump pump maintenance is typically provided by a qualified local plumber.

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What to Do When Your Sump Pump Fails

Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

If your sump pump fails, you’ll probably only become aware of it after water begins entering your basement. It’s difficult to tell if a sump pump’s defective until it fails to actuate at a crucial time. Most of the time, you’ll have to begin by removing some water from the basement. If water is limited to minor pooling around the sump basin you may be able to handle clean-up yourself. If flooding is widespread across the basement floor, call professional water damage recovery services.

Caution: Water flooding the basement floor poses an electrocution hazard. Avoid all contact with water until electricity has been shut off at the main electrical panel. If you cannot safely access the main panel without contacting water, call an electrician to turn power off at the meter.

  • After the area is safe to enter, remove minor pooling by mopping or using a wet/dry vacuum.
  • Bail out the sump basin with a bucket and look for any debris or other objects that may be obstructing the pump inlet screen. Unplug the pump, remove the pump and clean the inlet screen.
  • Reinstall the pump. Pour five gallons of water into the sump basin to determine if the pump automatically actuates. If you don’t hear the pump motor run, the motor or float switch is probably defective. You’ll need a professional plumber for further troubleshooting and/or replacement of the unit.
  • If you hear the pump motor actuate, go outside where the end of the discharge pipe releases water—usually somewhere in the backyard. Check to see if water is flowing out of the pipe. If not, check for any obstructions at the end of the pipe. If no obstructions, the pump impeller or some other internal part is likely faulty. You’ll probably need a new pump.
  • If the pump empties the basin and shuts off, but water rapidly flows back into the basin from the discharge pipe and actuates the pump again, the check valve to prevent backflow through the discharge pipe is probably defective. A plumber can replace that component.

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Your Sump Pump Line Can Freeze, Too – Is It Protected?

Thursday, November 8th, 2018

winterizeYour sump pump is an important precaution against potential flooding in the basement, especially in the fall season. However, it’s incredibly important that you maintain your sump pump. During the winter, your sump pump line can be susceptible to freezing damage as a result of cold temperatures and a lack of insulation in most basement areas. The following are a few tips to help ensure that your sump pump doesn’t experience damage during the winter season as a result of freezing:

  • Insulate the intake section – The intake section is the part that collects water. If the intake section is frozen, the sump pump won’t be able to do its job and your basement will be left vulnerable to flooding.
  • Bury the discharge hose – By burying your discharge hose into the ground, you’ll help prevent it from freezing. The part of the hose that remains above ground should be insulated by wrapping it up with heating tape or electric cable.
  • Keep your home warm – Even if you plan on leaving home for a few days, you should keep the heat on so that the temperature is at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout your house. This will help to keep the sump pump’s discharge hose somewhat warm, thereby preventing the water inside the hose from freezing.
  • Use a larger discharge hose – If the hose is too small, the risk of it getting blocked by ice should the water inside freeze is greater. By getting a bigger hose, you’ll reduce the risk of blockage.
  • Redirect water away from the basement – Make sure that your downspouts are located so that they direct rainwater away from the basement. Check your gutters to make sure they’re in good shape as well. Doing this will help to prevent your sump pump from being overworked and will, therefore, reduce the risk of the lines being blocked by frozen water.

Use these tips to help protect your sump pump during the winter season. If your sump pump has been damaged or your home experiences any type of water damage in general, be sure to contact us at Rytech today.

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What to Look for When Buying a Sump Pump

Tuesday, August 21st, 2018

sump pumpA sump pump should be standard equipment for any home with a basement. Insurance studies show that the majority of residences with a basement will sustain basement water damage at some point during the lifespan of the house. Outdoor flooding or indoor plumbing ruptures are common causes. And, if you live in a locale with a high natural water table, you probably already know how rising ground water puts a basement at risk.

Most sump pumps today are submersible types that are installed inside a covered sump basin excavated at the lowest point in the basement floor. As water fills the basin, a float switch actuates the submersed pump. Water is pumped up a discharge pipe and out of the basement to be released outdoors, usually somewhere in the backyard. After the flow of water into the basin ceases, the float switch turns off the pump.

Sump Pump Ratings

A sump pump is rated according to the horsepower of the motor. Ratings range from 1/4 HP to 1 HP with output from 1,000 gallons per hour up to 7,000.

  • For average homes with occasional risk of water intrusion, a 1/3 HP pump is sufficient. This will remove about 2,000 gallons of water per hour, which accommodates most typical basement flood scenarios.
  • For larger homes with more square footage and basement exposure, a 3/4 HP pump is preferred.
  • A 1 HP pump is required in locales with high natural ground water that frequently infiltrates the foundation.

Sump Pump Types

The basic model is a standard AC electric pump that plugs into a household outlet. This type relies entirely on household electricity to actuate and pump water. Should a power outage occur during a severe storm or other event that causes basement flooding, the pump will not function.

Battery backup sump pumps run off standard voltage as long as household electricity is available. If an outage occurs, a battery incorporated in the unit will continue to pump water to prevent flooding. Most battery backup pumps will keep pumping for up to 10 hours continuously after the power outage occurs.

 

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Sump Pump Failure… Dealing With the Aftermath

Friday, June 29th, 2018

wet basementA sump pump spends most of its time on standby, waiting for water. Should it fail to activate at a crucial time when water enters the sump basin, a flooded basement and associated water damage are the usual consequence. If your sump pump lets you down just when you need it most, here are some suggestions to deal with the aftermath.

  • First, be safe. A flooded basement is hazardous. Never enter a wet or flooded basement until the electricity to that area has been shut off at the main panel or the meter.
  • Stop the source. If the water originates from a ruptured plumbing pipe, turn off water to the house at the main shutoff valve.
  • Determine type of water. Flooding from a broken supply pipe is generally safe if less than 48 hours has elapsed and gloves, boots, waders and other protection are worn. Outdoor ground water seeping through basement walls is questionable and may contain bacteria or other toxins. Sewage backup into the basement is classified as a toxic biohazard and requires intervention by qualified water damage recovery services.
  • Remove what you can. If clean water is limited to shallow pooling, use mops or wet/dry vacuum to remove it, open any basement windows leading to the outdoors and run fans to circulate air.
  • Don’t attempt to pump it out yourself. Get professional advice first. If deep water is pumped from a flooded basement too rapidly, external pressure exerted by over-saturated soil pressing against basement walls may cause major structural failure.
  • Take preventive measures against mold. Mold growth in a basement following water damage should be considered inevitable unless proper remediation steps are taken within 48 hours. Contact qualified mold remediation services.
  • Avoid future sump pump failures with annual maintenance including clearing the sump basin of debris that could clog the pump inlet, as well as testing function of float switches by pouring five gallons of water into the basin and observing proper activation. If your sump pump failed because of a utility power outage, consider upgrading to a pump with battery backup feature.

 

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3 Things To Look For When Choosing A Sump Pump

Thursday, January 11th, 2018

sump pump installationBy the time you realize a sump pump failure has occurred, water damage is often already a done deal. A flooded basement, weakened structure, ruined possessions, mold contamination—the list of possible consequences is long. Because a sump pump typically spends most of its time on standby, silent malfunctions often don’t become obvious until water intrusion happens and the pump fails to respond. The risk of a sump pump failure just when it’s needed most can be reduced by making informed buying choices. Here are three things to look for when selecting a sump pump:

Battery Backup
A sump pump that relies solely on household AC electrical power is a risky bet. The fact is, many scenarios that require the protection provided by a sump pump—such as severe storms and flooding—also tend to be common causes of utility power failures, as well. This means that an AC-powered pump could fail to function just when it’s needed most. Sump pumps that also incorporate a DC battery backup option will actuate to pump water out of the basement even if the power grid goes down. This adds a vital extra layer of protection.

The Right Size
The “size” of a sump pump means its pumping strength expressed in horsepower. For an average residential basement with only intermittent water intrusion, pick a pump with at least 1/3 horsepower rating. If your basement has ongoing water issues—such as a high natural water table beneath the foundation—or if the basement extends unusually deep below ground level, you may want a 1/2 horsepower unit.

Pedestal vs. Submersible
Pedestal sump pumps are mounted on the floor above the sump basin. An inlet pipe extends down into the basin to suck out water. However, submersible pumps installed inside the basin are now considered more efficient and reliable. Because the entire pump unit is directly submersed as water enters the basin, suction is more positive and effective. Submersed pumps also run cooler, which means longer service life and fewer potential malfunctions.

 

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Using A Sump Pump To Prevent Basement Water Damage

Thursday, December 28th, 2017

sump pumpion, forcing water upward into the basement. A common source of episodic basement flooding is water intrusion through basement walls during heavy rains. Pooling ground water saturates the soil surrounding the foundation, exerting hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and triggering leaks through cracks and gaps.

A sump pump installed in the basement floor is a must to prevent water damage, as well as secondary consequences like toxic mold growth. As water seeping from beneath the foundation or leaking through walls collects inside the basin, the unit automatically actuates and pumps it outside to a discharge point, usually behind the house.

Here are three suggestions to ensure your sump pump safeguards against basement water damage

  • Don’t rely on AC power alone. Severe weather that causes basement flooding often triggers utility power outages, too. Install a sump pump that incorporates a DC battery backup feature to ensure the unit actuates when it’s needed most, even if the grid goes down.
  • Test the system twice a year. In some locales, the pump may not actuate for months at a time. If a malfunction develops while it’s idle, you may be unaware that the system no longer functions properly—until it’s too late. Make sure the basin is free of foreign objects that could clog the pump. Then pour five gallons of water into the basin and observe to verify that the pump automatically turns on, fully empties the basin, then turns off.
  • Check the discharge pipe. Verify that the outdoor span of pipe slants slightly downward and discharges far from the house to prevent water from re-entering the basement. If the discharge pipe doesn’t fully drain, water inside will freeze in cold weather and the pump will not be able to empty the basin.

 

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5 Tips to Prevent Basement Water Problems

Thursday, February 9th, 2017

basement leaksPreventing basement floods ought to be a concern for everyone with a basement. Some sort of water intrusion, minor or major, affects 98% of basements during the life of the home. Besides ruining possessions stored there, electrical panels, HVAC equipment and other vital systems—as well as posing the potential for long-term contamination by toxic mold—basement floods can also be damaging to the foundation and structure of the house.

Since the flood that never happens is the easiest kind to deal with, here are five tips for preventing basement floods:

  1. Maintain gutters. A roof sheds hundreds of gallons of water per hour during a heavy rainstorm, more than enough to cause flooding if it makes its way down into your basement. Water cascading from clogged, overflowing gutters inundates the ground below and may penetrate the basement wall. Also, make sure gutter downspouts discharge water at least three to five feet from the house
  2. Grade away from the house. Prevent pooling of water around the foundation perimeter. Landscape next to the house should be graded so water flows away and doesn’t soak into the ground immediately next to basement walls.
  3. Install a sump pump. A high groundwater level may cause basement flooding, especially during extended rainy periods. Installed in a sump basin excavated in the basement floor, a sump pump activates automatically to remove groundwater rising up beneath the house. After water is pumped out of the basement and discharged outside, the pump turns off automatically.
  4. Consider a backflow valve. Raw sewage flowing backwards through the sewer line from various causes enters the house at the lowest point—usually basement drains or fixtures. A backflow valve installed in your sewer line diverts sewage reflux up through an outdoor clean-out port before it floods the basement.
  5. Don’t ignore plumbing leaks. Pinhole leaks or seeping joints in water supply lines routed through the basement aren’t “normal” and shouldn’t be ignored. They may be a warning sign of an imminent pipe rupture that can flood the basement with thousands of gallons of water.

Ask the experts at Rytech, Inc. for more information about preventing basement floods.

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Spotting the Signs of Sump Pump Failure

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

sump pumpThe certain knowledge that you have a sump pump failure may become clear only at the worst possible time: after expensive water damage occurs because the sump pump didn’t actuate or function correctly. Installed in a basin in the basement floor, sump pumps are on guard 24/7 to protect your basement from hazards like seeping intrusion of ground water, a ruptured indoor pipe or outdoor flooding. A sump pump senses the presence of water entering the basin and automatically actuates, pumping water out through a discharge line that usually leads to the backyard. After the basin empties, the sump pump turns off.

Sump pumps spend most of the time on silent standby, waiting for water intrusion. Therefore, any malfunctions that develop may not be immediately apparent. Here are some signs to be aware of that may indicate a sump pump failure.

Pump Actuates but Doesn’t Empty Basin

This often means the pump inlet screen is clogged by debris. A plumber will need to drain the basin, remove the pump and clean the inlet screen.

Basin Filling, Pump Doesn’t Actuate

Usually, five gallons of water or less in the sump basin is enough to actuate the pump. If the sump basin appears to contain more than five gallons of standing water, some sort of malfunction is likely preventing actuation — a binding float switch, a defective pump motor, etc.

Basin Empty, Pump Running

If the pump continues to run after it has emptied the sump basin, a stuck or defective float switch is likely. You’re lucky to discover it in time — sump pumps tend to burn out if they run dry for an extended period of time. Unplug the pump and call a plumber.

Basin Refills Rapidly and Pump Turns on Again

A check valve in the discharge line is supposed to prevent backflow of water into the basin after the pump shuts off. If the check valve fails, discharged water will quickly flow back into the basin and re-activate the pump, repeatedly turning it on and off.

For more about the water damage consequences of sump pump failure, contact Rytech, Inc.

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3 Ways Water Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation

Thursday, April 21st, 2016

It’s sometimes surprising how water can damage a home’s foundation. After all, a typical residential foundation is a thick slab of poured cement set into the ground or heavy mortar blocks. What harm could a liquid like water do? As it turns out, water can affect the foundation in a number of ways, both directly and indirectly. Under the right conditions and given enough time, water can make expensive foundation repairs necessary, as well as infiltrate the house and cause indoor water damage. Here are three ways water can damage a home’s foundation.

  1. water can damage home foundationExternal pressure. If the local soil drains efficiently, rainwater quickly penetrates deep into the ground and is carried away. However, if the soil is dense and absorbent the ground surrounding the house swells, exerting significant pressure against foundation walls. In time, this pressure causes cracks and gaps and water seepage into the basement. As disintegration continues, foundation walls may eventually tip or rotate inward, requiring major foundation rehab work.
  2. Ground water. In areas where the local water table rises near the surface, it may push against the underside of the foundation. Called “hydrostatic pressure,” this force of rising ground water is powerful and continuous. While it’s not likely to lift the foundation out of the ground, it will infiltrate water into the basement through cracks and joints that widen over time, and even permeate solid concrete. A tile drainage system to divert ground water away and a sump pump installed in the basement floor are preventive measures against foundation damage.
  3. Pooling. Water pooling on the surface around the perimeter of the house eventually degrades concrete and mortar foundations. The most frequent cause is landscaping that slopes toward the house, instead of away. This causes rainwater to pool close to the house where it seeps down into the foundation. Other causes include clogged, overflowing rain gutters that cascading water to the ground, or downspouts that are too short and allow discharged water to flow back toward the house.

For solutions to the many ways water can damage a home’s foundation, contact the professionals at Rytech, Inc.

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