1. Sump pump check to make sure discharge line is not clogged.
2. Check to make sure it has a check valve, and it is operating properly.
3. Some pumps have a built in float, like Zoeller cast iron pumps, and some have a separate float that plugs into the pump. The pumps that have a separate float can be tested by unplugging the float and directly plugging into the outlet. By doing so you can bypass the float. This will tell you if the pump or the float are bad.
This may buy you a little time until a plumber can get there. But if you do that DO NOT leave it plugged in. You will burn out the pump. The float tells the pump when to operate. So by bypassing the float the pump will not turn off until unplugging it.
4. Like anything else, it has moving parts that need to move occasionally so they don’t seize up. If you have a utility sink in the basement or a hose connection of some kind, it may not be a bad idea to cycle your pump if not frequently used.
5. Also, if you have a back-up pump you can do the same by unplugging your main pump and cycling your back-up. Back-ups fail because years may go by and the back-up pump may never cycle. It’s good that you haven’t lost power but not good for the pump.
Liberty has a nice back-up pump powered by water rather than electricity or battery. These require minimum maintenance. These seem to be the future of back-up pumps. They do need a water line and a separate discharge line ran but they seem to be the future.
As many of my customers know, I like to see new products operate for a couple of years before I start to use them in your home. When given the opportunity to make choices, remember, I’m always just a phone call away if you need a sump pump in Bensalem, or a pump repair in the Bensalem area.
-Joe Canty
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