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6 Primary Reasons Behind Faulty Sump Pumps

26 July 2022

Various commercial, industrial, and even residential properties maximise sump pumps as part of their protection against basement flooding.

Sump pumps, as mentioned earlier, are intended to prevent floods in these properties’ basements. They can also prevent sewage from backing up. These two functions of the said pumps ensure that the overall appearance and functions of the buildings will be intact, preserving their value optimally. Without sump pumps, the basement of these buildings will easily become flooded as time passes. Subsequently, the moisture from the flood can lead to cracks in their foundation and weaken their structural integrity.

Given the significance of sump pumps, they should always be assessed and maintained. They can still, however, fail due to various reasons. If you currently own or manage a property with sump pumps, here are some reasons these pumps have become faulty.

  1. Incorrect Installation

One reason why your sump pumps have become faulty is they are not installed correctly. Just like other system components, sump pumps should be installed based on the instructions of their manufacturers. Failing to install their components to their proper positions and placement will only interfere with their core functions, compromising the safety of your property.

  1. Power Outage

Your sump pumps may have been installed correctly, but if the power fails, they can become faulty. A power outage may often happen due to bad weather. The lack of power from the distributor can also cause this event. You may not be in control of your local power supply, but you can still prevent your sump pumps from failing during a power outage by investing in a backup generator.

  1. Wrong Dimensions

Sump pumps may only work in properties that are compatible with their dimensions. If you opted for sump pumps that are too small for your building, they may not succeed in pumping the water out effectively. Going for too large sump pumps, alternatively, will only force them to operate harder until their service life shorten. To acquire the right size of sump pumps, you must consult with a professional.

  1. Old Age

The expected lifespan of sump pumps ranges from eight to 10 years. And with almost a decade of service life, it is expected that you have already allocated some money to purchase new ones before they fail. However, if you decide to stretch their operation, their components may start to show clear signs of aging, putting your property at risk of flooding once they suddenly break down.

  1. Blocked Drainage

Drainage pipes work alongside sump pumps to direct water away from your property. If the drainage pipes, however, have been blocked by debris, they may not be able to help the sump pumps carry out their functions. Frozen drainage pipes can likewise prevent sump pumps from removing away from the basement, causing flood and damage to your property.

  1. Jammed Switches

One more reason behind faulty sump pumps is the existence of jammed switches. Jammed or stuck switches are normally caused by the pump movement inside the basement, making the float ineffective. With an ineffective float, the switches will not work anymore. Fortunately, jammed switches can be resolved by cleaning and adjusting the pump thoroughly.

If you need help with your sump pumps, you can contact us at Fluid Sealing.

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