A Sump pump is an essential appliance in our homes that helps remove water accumulated in the sump pit. The sump pump is usually installed in the basement or crawl space.
The primary function of a sump pump is to pump out the water that has accumulated in the pit and redirect it away from home. A sump pump typically contains a float switch that activates the pump when the water level rises and turns it off when the water is draining sufficiently.
However, there are times when your sump pump will not work as intended. This article will discuss why your sump pump is not draining water.
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How to Tell the Sump Pump is Not Draining Water
If you notice that your basement is starting to flood or the water level in the pit is not going down, then this is a sign that your sump pump is not working. You should also check the float switch to see if it has tripped. Check to see whether your pump is working.
Fill the basin with a few gallons of water – high enough so that the float rises and activates the motor – to check if it’s pumping water. Once the float switch activates the motor, check the discharge pipe’s end for any water flow. If no water is gushing from the pit, but you can hear the motor, your pump isn’t draining correctly.
Reasons Why Your Sump Pump Not Draining Water
There are various reasons why your sump pump might not be draining water. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons below.
1. Debris in the Pit
One of the most common reasons why your sump pump is not draining water is because there is debris in the pit. This can include leaves, twigs, dirt, and even rocks. If there is debris blocking the exit of the pit, then the water will not be able to drain properly.
You will need to clean out the pit and remove any debris blocking the exit to fix this. You can use a garden hose to flush the pit and remove debris.
2. Frozen Discharge Pipe
Another reason why your sump pump might not be draining water is that the discharge pipe is frozen. If the discharge pipe is frozen, then the water will not be able to flow through it properly. This can happen during winter when the temperatures drop below freezing.
To fix this, you will need to thaw out the discharge pipe. You can do this by using a hairdryer or a heat lamp. Place the heat source near the frozen area of the pipe and wait for it to thaw out. Once the pipe is thawed, the water should start flowing through it again.
3. Clogged Discharge Pipe
Another reason for a sump pump not draining water is a clogged discharge pipe. The discharge pipe can become clogged with debris over time. This can include leaves, twigs, dirt, and even rocks. If the discharge pipe is clogged, then the water will not be able to flow through it properly.
To fix this, you will need to clean out the discharge pipe. You can use a garden hose to flush out the pipe. Alternatively, you can use a plumber’s snake to clear any blockages in the pipe.
4. Broken Float Switch
A broken float switch is another common reason why a sump pump will not drain water. The float switch is responsible for turning the pump on and off. If the float switch is broken, then the pump will not be able to turn on. As a result, the water will not be pumped out of the pit.
It might happen like the pump is working fine, but for the faulty float switch, it can not get started with draining water. The good news is that float switches are relatively cheap and easy to replace.
5. Broken Impeller
The impeller is responsible for moving the water through the pump. If the impeller is broken, then the water will not be able to move through the pump properly. As a result, the water will not be pumped out of the pit.
If the impeller cannot spin due to failure, wear, or damage, it will need to be replaced. In addition, a screen should keep foreign objects from entering the pump’s interior.
6. Burned Out Motor
A burned-out motor is another common reason for a sump pump not draining water. If the motor is burned out, then the pump will not be able to turn on. As a result, the water will not be pumped out of the pit.
Overworked pumps are the most common reason for burnt-out motors. First, check to see how much water will be flowing into your pit; you should never put more water in than recommended. Too much water and a too-small pump may cause burnout and flood, whereas too powerful of a motor with no way to drain it can also result in difficulties.
7. Broken Check Valve
The check valve is responsible for keeping the water from flowing back into the pit. If the check valve is broken, then the water will be able to flow back into the pit. As a result, the water will not be pumped out of the pit.
It is crucial to replace the check valve as soon as possible. A broken check valve can cause severe flooding problems.
8. Electrical or Mechanical Problems
If your sump pump is not draining water, it could be due to electrical or mechanical problems. For example, if the pump is not receiving enough power, then it will not be able to turn on. This can happen if the circuit breaker trips or if the fuse blows.
Alternatively, the pump might be having mechanical problems. For example, this can happen if the impeller is broken or the float switch is not working properly.
If you suspect an electrical or mechanical problem with your sump pump, you should call a professional for help.
Conclusion
A sump pump not draining water can be a frustrating problem. However, it is usually caused by one of the eight issues listed above. By troubleshooting the problem, you should be able to fix it relatively easily.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
