Your sump pump is vital to your plumbing system, especially in areas prone to flooding or excess moisture. It works tirelessly, especially during the rainy spring months in Cincinnati, to keep basements dry and prevent water damage.  

However, like any mechanical device, sump pumps can encounter issues from time to time. Before reaching for the phone to call a plumber, it’s worth taking a moment to troubleshoot the problem yourself. 

Here’s a handy guide to help you troubleshoot your broken sump pump before calling for repair.

Check the power supply
The first step in troubleshooting your sump pump is to ensure it receives power. Check if the pump is plugged in correctly and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Sometimes, a simple power interruption can cause the pump to stop working.

Inspect the float switch
The float switch activates the sump pump when the water level rises. Make sure the float switch moves freely and isn’t obstructed by debris. If the float switch is stuck in the “off” position, it won’t trigger the pump to turn on.

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Clear debris
Over time, debris such as dirt, gravel, or small stones can accumulate in the sump pit and obstruct the pump’s intake. Check the pit for any debris and remove it carefully. Ensure the pump’s intake screen is clean and free from blockages.

Test the check valve
The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit once the pump has been activated. Test the check valve to ensure it’s functioning correctly. You can do this by pouring water into the pit and observing if it flows back or if the valve holds it in place.

Inspect the discharge pipe
Check the discharge pipe connected to the sump pump for clogs or obstructions. Sometimes, debris can accumulate in the pipe, preventing proper water flow. Use a plumber’s snake or a garden hose to clear any blockages.

Check the float switch
Manually lift the float switch to simulate a high water level and observe if the pump turns on. Listen for unusual noises or vibrations, which could indicate a problem with the pump motor or impeller. The pump may require professional repair if it doesn’t activate or exhibits abnormal behavior.

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Consult your user manual
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your sump pump’s operation or troubleshooting steps, refer to the manufacturer’s user manual. It contains valuable information on maintenance procedures, troubleshooting tips, and safety precautions.

If you have persistent problems with your sump pump or are unsure about performing any repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter. Timely maintenance and repairs are essential for ensuring your sump pump continues to protect your home from water damage. We’re here to help.

Cincinnati’s hilly terrain is ground-zero for hard working sump pumps. Your home’s sump pump has a very important job to do. It protects your basement from flooding when water creeps in from heavy rainfall or after a snowstorm. If it isn’t working properly, by drawing water in as it pools on the basement floor, the water can settle. This can lead to wood rot, mold and even foundation problems.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much time or effort to keep your sump pump working at its best. As long as you schedule regular maintenance from an experienced plumber and know what to do – and what not to do – for your sump pump, it will help keep your basement dry for years to come.

Take a look at our list below of sump pump do’s and don’ts. We recommend having this list handy and taking a peek at it every so often to make sure you’re doing what you need to keep your sump pump purring.

Sump Pump “Do’s”

Do hire a professional plumber to install your sump pump (Allied Reddi-Rooter). While some homeowners choose to install a sump pump they buy at the local home improvement store on their own, we do not recommend going this route. Installing a sump pump incorrectly can lead to a pump failure which can keep your home’s water at its lowest level. This, in turn, can cause major damage.

Do listen to the motor. We recommend taking time to listen to the sump pump motor on a regular basis. If it’s working properly, you should hear the motor hum and the occasional sloshing of water. If you start hearing new noises, it’s time to call the plumber.

Do install a battery backup system. Sump pumps run on electricity. But what if your power goes out during a storm and your sump pump stops working, just when you need it the most? This scenario is precisely why we recommend installing a battery backup system.

Do regularly clean the pipes. Make a point of routinely checking the drainage pipes to make sure there’s no debris that could cause a blockage. It’s important to also clean the area around the sump pump to make sure debris from the floor doesn’t get pushed into the pump during a storm.

Do schedule routine maintenance. Sump pumps are extremely reliable and durable. Still, it’s important that you have a plumbing professional check it every year to make sure it’s working properly. If it isn’t, they can make the necessary repairs to get it back up and running quickly.

Sump Pump Don’ts

Don’t flush products that aren’t biodegradable down drains. This includes paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or face wipes – no matter how “flushable” it says they are on the packaging.

Don’t pour chemicals in the sump pump. Paints, most cleaning products, floor wax and acids should never be put in the sump pump. If you try to flush these chemicals down the sump pump, they can end up in the city water supply and cause contamination.

Don’t ever try to lift the sump pump out of the ground. Or try to repair your sump pump on your own.

Don’t DIY sump pump installation. As we mentioned above, this should only be done by a licensed, experienced plumber.

Need to repair or replace your sump pump? Allied Reddi-Rooter has been Cincinnati’s sump pump experts for decades. We exclusively sell and install  Zoeller sump pumps. They are the absolute best quality product avaialable. Learn more about Allied Redd-Rooter’s sump pump services. Our Cincinnati sump pump reiar team is here to help you in your time of need.