If there isn’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. Be sure the pump’s electrical cord isn’t in the way or getting tangled around the float switch.Īfter these simple checks, plug-in your sump pump again. Check the action of the float switch to be sure that it can move freely. A wet/dry vacuum can very effectively remove loose debris. Scoop out all pebbles and other debris out of the pit. A small piece of paper or plastic can restrict the amount of water the pump can remove. 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’s intake screen or into the impeller to impair the pump’s performance.

Next, shine a bright light over the sump pit so you can see what you’re doing and work safely. The first step is to temporarily unplug your sump pump so you can safely inspect it. Based on your question, we’ll assume that your sump pump is running, but not efficiently removing water from the sump pit. There are several possible reasons why your sump pump isn’t draining. To learn more about Sump Pumps, read our What is a Sump Pump guide. Most new basement homes are equipped with sump pumps but older homes can be retrofitted with a sump system to prevent basement flooding. Roto-Rooter plumbers are experts at sump pump installation and repair and can offer backup sump pump options too. By redirecting excess water, sump pumps prevent water from accumulating around the home's foundation and beneath the basement floor. Sump pumps are usually triggered by a float switch and only activate when water reaches a predetermined level in the sump pit. The sump pump then redirects the water to the nearest storm drain, dry well, or retention pond. The pipes that make up this drain system are perforated, allowing water to flow in and collect in a sump pit or crock. A sump system works by channeling groundwater into a perimeter drain system that is installed at the base of the home’s foundation. A sump pump is a submersible pump that is installed in the lowest point of a home, usually in the basement.

Battery backup sump pump maintenance