April 18, 2022 •Reid Geiler
If your sump pump has stopped working, there could be a few possible culprits. However, here are some principal reasons your sump pump could be malfunctioning.
The Power Has Gone Out
If there has been a power outage in your area, this could be the reason your sump pump is not working. First, find out if your circuit breaker has tripped and reset it. If the power is still out, you will need to wait until it comes back on before your sump pump will start working again.
There Is A Problem With the Float Switch
The float switch may be experiencing an issue. That could be due to a blockage, a problem with the wiring, or something else. First, try clearing any debris blocking the float switch and check the wiring to see if there is a loose connection.
The Impeller Is Damaged Or Jammed
The impeller is the sump pump component that moves the water. If damaged, the sump pump will not be able to move the water and will not work correctly. Check the impeller for damage, and if found, take steps to replace it.
A blockage of sediment, debris, or something else could also impact functionality. Try clearing away anything that may be blocking the impeller, and then the sump pump should start working again.
Issues With The Discharge Pipe
If it's freezing outside, there's a chance the discharge pipe could be frozen. Frozen pipes block water flow, and as a result, the sump pump will not work. Thaw out the discharge pipe, and then the sump pump should start working again.
You should be able to fix a blocked discharge pipe quickly. But, first, check if any debris or sediment is blocking the line. Clear it away, and the sump pump should start working again.
The Check Valve Is Not Working Properly
The check valve helps prevent the water from flowing back into the sump pump. If it is not working correctly, it could be why your sump pump is not working. Try cleaning or replacing the check valve, and then the sump pump should start working again.
There's A Problem With The Electrical Connection
If a problem with the electrical connection exists, this could be the reason your sump pump is not working.
Check to make sure the sump pump has a power source. While this may seem like a silly mistake, it happens more often than you might think! So first, make sure the sump pump has an active connection to an outlet, and then it should start working again.
If it's something simple like this, your repair work will take minutes! So it always pays to check all of the most straightforward problems first. Then, if one of them is the culprit, you'll be back in action in no time.
When you suspect an issue with the electrical system is to blame, it's worth contacting a qualified technician to debug the matter further and provide a solution to get your system back on track as quickly as possible.
The Sump Pit Is Full Of Water
Too much water collecting in the sump pump pit is a problem. The float switch is what turns the sump pump on when the water level reaches a certain point.
If the pit is full of water, the float switch may not be able to trigger the sump pump to power up. Try removing at least some of the water from the pit, and then the sump pump should start working again.
The Motor Has A Problem
There's a chance the motor is no longer working. If so, you will need to replace it. That job may prove challenging, so consider using a professional repair company like Geiler. By leaving this job to the professionals, you can be confident that your sump pump is ready to handle excess water.
Something Is Blocking The Intake Pipe
The intake pipe helps to bring water into the sump pump. If something is blocking the line, the sump pump will not work. Fixing this may require a bit of mechanical know-how. The basic idea is to remove the intake pipe, clean it of any obstructions and replace it. If that sounds too much to handle, it's worth hiring professionals.
Contact the team at Geiler if you want your sump pump fixed professionally and quickly. We've been helping customers for over one hundred thirty years; our expert sump pump team is here to help.
