The float switch is set up so that when water reaches a certain level, the sump pump turns on, and when the water goes back down, the pump shuts off.

There are four types of float switches for sump pumps. The diaphragm switch, vertical action float, tethered float and an electric float switch. The best one out of the four is the vertical action float. This type of float will usually cost less to buy, have a better quality, and hold a longer warranty.

Knowing that one of the most common sump pump problems could be with the float switch, when you purchase a sump pump, you will want to find one that has a float switch that you will be able to replace yourself. This will save you money and time, if a problem occurs in the future, by being able to fix it yourself.

If you choose to go with an electric switch, which cost more, but are great to use, keep in mind that some are made with mercury. If your sump pump is going to be anywhere near water that is also used for drinking water, you will want to buy a steel electric float switch. The steel ones do not have any mercury in them.

A lot of sump pump problems can be fixed by the homeowner without paying someone else to do it. I have listed some common sump pump problems and some tips and/or solutions about them. Trying these tips and solutions can save the homeowner a lot of time, money, and other problems that could arise if the sump pump isn’t maintained regularly. Before doing any type of maintenance to a sump pump, be sure to unplug any electrical cords going to any part of the sump pump.

1). Debris in the sump pit- Always check and make sure that the sump pit is free from debris.

2). “check” valve-Sometimes, the check valve can be improperly installed. The check valves are set up so that when the sump pump shuts off, no water will go back into the sump pump. The check valve’s arrow should not be pointing toward the sump pump.

3). Weep hole- Some pumps will have a weep hole, usually between the sump pump and the check valve. You can clean this weep hole out with a toothpick or other tiny object. Be careful not to break anything into the weep hole.

4). Impeller- Should be a filter, but sometimes things get into it and clog it up. If your sump pump has stopped running, suddenly, or has been making a whining noise, this could be the problem. The impeller should be connected to the sump pump with bolts. This is something that the homeowner can take care of themselves. Unplug the sump pump and unbolt the impeller. Be careful not to drop it or hit it. Once you have it off the pump, you should be able to clean anything out of it. When you put it back together, it is recommended to use new gasket and sealant when putting the new casing onto it. When you put it back together, you can test the pump to see if this solves the problem. Fill the sump pump with water until it turns on and see if it is working properly. If it doesn’t turn on, it may be an electrical problem and you should contact a professional for this. They will be able to tell you if it is that or if you need a new one. It is recommended to just ask them to inspect it first and save some money on the service call. If they say that it can be fixed, ask for a quote and measure the quote to replacing it with a new one. Whichever costs you less will be a better choice. If you get a new one, you will have a whole new warranty with it, too.

5). Sump pump odor- The odor is caused from the sump pump trap. The trap will have water that stay s there, but when it hasn’t had any water for a while, an odor starts to form. This is from a gas that is created from sewage water. You can check on this and keep a little bit of water in it, and you can eliminate the odor by using a bleach-water mixture to cleanse the basin. One part bleach to 5 parts water is good. You can fill the basin until the sump pump turns on, too, and this will help with eliminating the odor better.

6). Power outage- Purchasing a generator is a great idea when you purchase a sump pump. This way, if you lose power while you need your sump pump, you will have a back up source of power for the sump pump. Sometimes, it is better to invest more money now then to have to spend more later on for flooding damages.

Whenever you are in doubt with common sump pump problems, call an expert.

A sump pump is a drainage-tile system that is placed under the floor of you’re basement that channels water into a pit.

What does a sump pump do?

Some houses depending on location, climate conditions, and building structure. Have a unavoidable problem with flooding from the bottom up due to natural weather and environment conditions.
A sump pump provides somewhere for that water to go other then into your home.

How do I know if a sump pump is right for me?

If you have a serious or just annoyingly minor problem with water getting into your basement there are certain elements of your home you need to check to first identify if you have a flooding issue due to needing a sump pump, or just a overlooked minor issue that can be prevented by locating an fixing the problem.
So before assuming you need a sump pump check all drainage installed on or around your home.
Unclog all clogged gutters, downspouts dispose of runoff water at least 4 feet away from your homes foundation.
And all soil around the foundation of your home downslides at least 3 feet. *The downslide facing away from your home.
If you have a newer home make sure you don’t already have a sump pump installed.
If you still have a problem then a sump pump is right for you.

How is a sump pump Installed?

Usually a large slab of concrete is removed from the base of your home.
A large percentage of soil is also removed from underneath you’re home.
Then drain tiles, gravel, and a pit is installed in place of the concrete.

How much does it cost?

A professional normally charges around $2500 to $5000 to install a sump pump.
This being a reasonable price in comparison to the loss of value, and measure of damage of your home without the placement of a sump pump.

What are some ways to prepare for a sump pump installation?
Does your waterline run under the floor?
If so where does it run?
You might be able to find the answer to this by inquiring with a local buildings codes office. This being that usually these things are recorded upon installation and stored into files.
Think about how you may prefer your concrete to be removed being different tools may do better or worse jobs. Make inquiries about the tools to the installers being some installers will not use certain types of tools.

Will a sump pump be guaranteed to eliminate the flooding problem?

In most cases yes it will, but it depends on how serious your problem is. A sump pump gives water an alternate place to go other then straight up into your basement.
In extreme conditions this may only lessen the issue to something less threatening for your home.