What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?

The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage. Sump pumps depend on your house for power, and blackouts can be problematic. There are two ways to deal with this problem. First, it’s never a bad idea to have a backup generator in your home, specifically for instances like this.

How long do sump pumps last on average?

How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

Is sump pump failure covered by homeowners insurance?

In most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure. … A water backup and sump pump failure/overflow endorsement will just cover the property damage – not the repair of the actual appliance/sump pump that malfunctioned.

How do you troubleshoot a sump pump?

Flood Prevention: How to Troubleshoot Your Sump Pump
  1. 1) Check to see if the Sump Pump is clogged. …
  2. 2) Check to see if the Floating Switch is Jammed. …
  3. 3) Check the Discharge Line. …
  4. 4) Examine the Check Valve. …
  5. 5) Make Sure the Sump Pump Has Power. …
  6. 6) Make Sure the Sump Pit is Big Enough.

How often should a sump pump be replaced?

Even if you have professionally installed a quality product, a sump pump should be replaced every 7-10 years. Typically located in a basin on your basement floor, your sump pump collects excess water from drains and redirects it away from the house.

How much does it cost to replace sump pump?

Sump Pump Replacement Cost

Pedestal sump pump replacement costs range from $400 to $900, for an average cost of $650. Submersible sump pump replacement costs range from $800 to $2,000, for an average cost of $1,400.

What happens when sump pump fails?

Without a working sump pump, the excess water from a serious storm will begin to accumulate at the lowest point in your home. That point may be the foundation, crawlspace or basement. No matter where the water settles, it will begin to warp wood, cause rot and lead to mold growth.

Do plumbers work on sump pumps?

Plumbers install and repair water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and plumbing fixtures and appliances. While some plumbers do work with sump pumps, most of them aren’t experts in waterproofing. … Many waterproofers both install and repair sump pumps.

Should I avoid buying a house with a sump pump?

While you might think it’s best to avoid buying a house with a sump pump, the little mechanism in the basement floor does a big job. … Both factors contribute to basement flooding in Chicago homes. Sump pumps help control water damage downstairs.

How do you know when your sump pump is going out?

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump
  • Makes strange noises. Sounds coming from your pump can indicate worn or damaged parts. …
  • Vibrates Excessively when Running. …
  • Infrequent Pump Usage. …
  • Runs All the Time. …
  • Irregular Cycling. …
  • It Runs for a Long Time. …
  • Visible Rust. …
  • Seven Years Old or Older.

Why is my sump pump not pumping?

Sump Pump Runs, but Doesn’t Remove Water


If it appears that your sump pump operates but no water is removed from the sump basin, a few issues are commonly to blame – a malfunctioning check valve, damaged impeller, clog in the discharge pipe or suction intake screen or a leaky discharge line. Inspect the check valve.

Why is my sump pump not pumping water?

No water in the sump pump is a classic sign of an improperly installed pump or a pump that is not linked to a drainage system. Sumps and Drainage Go Hand-in-Hand. … If the drain tile is clogged, collapsed, not installed with the proper pitch or non-existent, it will not be able to divert the water correctly.

Can a sump pump be repaired?

If you do need a sump pump replaced, the installation can be a do-it-yourself project. … We can help with sump pump replacements and repairs or basement water damage that has occurred due to a broken sump pump. We also specialize in sump pump installation should you need a new unit and backup sump pump installation.

Is it hard to replace a sump pump?

Replacing a sump pump may seem like a daunting task, but it is a fairly straightforward undertaking that can be tackled by a homeowner. Before installing the new pump, make sure you are installing a sump pump that is the appropriate size for your sump basin and has enough horsepower to keep your basement dry.

Do sump pumps overheat?

A: Most pumps will not burn up, but they can overheat. Almost all sump pump motors have thermal protection built in, but the submersible type needs water around the motor for cooling. If the pump overheats, shut it off and let it cool.

Should there be water in my sump pump pit?

Sump Pump Always Has Water

First, it is usually completely normal that a sump pump pit has water in it, at least a little. If there is usually too much water, there is probably a problem, especially if you don’t ever hear your pump kick on.