If your sump pump is malfunctioning in some way, you will need to inspect it thoroughly. Since the sump pump is an important part of your waterproofing system, it may be better to leave the inspection to the professionals. Here are several steps your contractor may take during the inspection.
Restart the Pump
Just like you would restart your computer, your contractor will restart your pump. They will need to unplug two switches since one is in charge of the float switch and the other one of the motor. If your pump doesn’t turn on when they plug everything back in, there is a problem with it.
It is important to check whether your pump is functioning properly from time to time so that there are no nasty surprises when it is time for it to activate. A malfunctioning sump pump can cause plenty of problems, from standing water in your basement to mold growth and wood rot.
Flush the System
The simplest way our inspectors can test your pump is by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump is in order, it should activate, pump the water out, and then deactivate. If this doesn’t happen, your pump is not in order. To find the cause of the problem, inspectors can take several steps. First, they will inspect the float. The water needs to travel smoothly on the float road. Afterward, they will clean the filter.
Your contractor will also check the discharge pipe. Debris, rodent nests, mud, stones, or mulch can all block the pipe and prevent water from moving through it. The last thing they will do to find the cause of the problem is to inspect the check valve.
There are many things that can jam your pump and cause it to malfunction. Things like dirt, pebbles, and small rocks are present in your crawl space and they can create problems. Cleaning the pump from time to time is highly recommended since a dirty filter can prevent the pump from working properly and cause the motor to burn out.
Your contractor will also check the discharge pipe. Debris, rodent nests, mud, stones, or mulch can all block the pipe and prevent water from moving through it. The last thing they will do to find the cause of the problem is to inspect the check valve.