Question 1

How deep should a sump pump be installed?

Accepted Answer

A sump pump should be installed in a pit at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep. The depth must allow the pump to sit level and below the basement floor to collect water effectively.

Question 2

How To Test a Sump Pump

Accepted Answer

First, inspect the sump pit for clogs or damage and ensure the pump is plugged into a working outlet. Slowly pour water into the pit to raise the float switch. The pump should turn on, drain water quickly, and shut off automatically. You can also manually lift the float to test activation without water.

Question 3

What Can I Do to Prevent a Sump Pump Failure?

Accepted Answer

Prevent sump pump failure with regular maintenance, proper installation, and backup power. Test the pump regularly, keep the pit and intake screen clear, and ensure the float switch moves freely. To avoid issues during power outages, install a battery backup or home generator.

Question 4

Do you need a plumber to install a sump pump?

Accepted Answer

While DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners, hiring a plumber is recommended to ensure proper setup, drainage, and code compliance.

Question 5

Why is my sump pump not draining?

Accepted Answer

A sump pump may not be draining due to a clogged discharge pipe, a stuck float switch, a power issue, or a failed pump motor. Debris buildup or a frozen or blocked drain line can also prevent proper drainage. It's best to inspect the components or call a professional plumber for diagnosis and repair.

Question 6

What is a sump pump?

Accepted Answer

A sump pump removes collected ground water from a basement floor basin and pipes it to a storm drain or detention pond. A perforated water collection pipe called a drain tile is installed in the foundation footer around the perimeter of the home. Ground water falls into the drain tile and is directed by gravity flow through the pipe to the sump crock at the lowest point of the basement floor. As the collected water level rises in the sump pit, a float switch activates the electric sump pump, forcing water out of the pit, through a pipe and safely away from the home.

Question 7

How many years does a sump pump last?

Accepted Answer

The life expectancy of a sump pump depends on how often it operates. If your sump pump runs often, you should replace it every five years to ensure your basement will be protected from flooding during and after heavy rainfall. If your sump pump barely ever operates, you can expect it to last 7-10 years. But if you do not have a battery-powered backup sump pump or a water-powered backup pump, we recommend that your main sump pump be replaced every five years. If your sump pump operates frequently, it’s because there is a lot of ground water present around your home’s foundation and your pump must turn itself on to deal with it. The float switch is the moving part that typically fails first on a sump pump, rendering it incapable of turning itself on when water fills the sump pit.

Question 8

Should I have a backup battery on my sump pump?

Accepted Answer

A battery-powered backup sump pump will operate in the event of a power failure or if your primary sump pump stops working for any reason. If your basement is finished or you store anything you care about in your basement, you should have a backup sump pump in place. The cost of having a backup sump pump is negligible compared to the cost of flood cleanup and water restoration services. Most insurance companies will discount a homeowner’s insurance policy if there is a backup sump pump system installed.

Question 9

Does Roto-Rooter fix sump pumps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Roto-Rooter replaces broken sump pumps and installs backup sump pump systems to provide an extra layer of protection from basement flooding. Sump pumps are usually extremely reliable appliances, but they work hard and typically wear out within 5-7 years. Due to their relatively low cost, it is not economical for plumbers to repair sump pumps or replace parts on one. When sump pumps fail, they are generally considered to be worn out and should be completely replaced with a new pump.

Question 10

Why is my sump pump not draining?

Accepted Answer

There are several possible reasons why your sump pump isn&rsquo;t draining. Based on your question, we&rsquo;ll assume that your sump pump is running, but not efficiently removing water from the sump pit. The first step is to temporarily unplug your sump pump so you can safely inspect it. Next, shine a bright light over the sump pit so you can see what you&rsquo;re doing and work safely. Carefully, reach beneath the pump (be sure the pump is not plugged in!) and feel for debris that may have been sucked up against the pump&rsquo;s intake screen or into the impeller to impair the pump&rsquo;s performance. A small piece of paper or plastic can restrict the amount of water the pump can remove. Scoop out all pebbles and other debris out of the pit. A wet/dry vacuum can very effectively remove loose debris. Check the action of the float switch to be sure that it can move freely. Be sure the pump&rsquo;s electrical cord isn&rsquo;t in the way or getting tangled around the float switch.
After these simple checks, plug-in your sump pump again. If there isn&rsquo;t enough water in the pit to activate the pump, manually pull up on the float switch to test the sump pump and observe whether it is working properly. At this point, if the pump just hums but will not remove water, then it has probably failed and will need to be replaced. The most common part failure on a sump pump is the float switch, but in most cases, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire sump pump than to replace individual parts, especially when you consider the life expectancy of a sump pump is only 5-7 years.
If the pump does seem to be pumping, but the water isn&rsquo;t passing through the ejection pipe, it&rsquo;s possible that the check valve in the pipe has become dislodged or there is some other blockage in the pipe that is preventing the water from getting to its intended destination (usually a storm drain or culvert). Sometimes the drainage pipes fill with silt and need to be cleaned. A clogged ejection drainpipe can completely restrict water flow from the sump pump to the storm drain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a sump pump be installed?

How To Test a Sump Pump

What Can I Do to Prevent a Sump Pump Failure?

Do you need a plumber to install a sump pump?

Why is my sump pump not draining?