There is nothing worse than having a sump pump fail on you. If it’s a sewage pump, the first thing you might notice is that the electrics have tripped on the control panel, or that when you flush the toilet it starts backing up and the water level isn’t subsiding.
Worse still, sewage could start overflowing out of the manhole cover. If it’s your sump pump you might notice that your electrics have tripped and the water level is rising. If this is flood water coming into your basement this can rise very quickly and cause damage to your property and belongings. Here is a list of our top 5 Tips on what to do when your sewage or sump pump fails.
1. Always isolate the electrical supply to the pump
If you are in any doubt, please phone a qualified Electrician for assistance.
2. Make sure the pump hasn’t tripped
Have a look at your control panel or fuse box to see if the supply to the pump has tripped. If the supply has tripped, you will then need to consider the following:
- Has there been a power cut? – If yes – reset the trip switch.
Has it been raining heavily? – If Yes, this puts the pump under increased load, the pump will need removing and checking.
3. Is the Sump full of fibrous material and/or debris?
If yes – This could block impellor, causing the electrical supply to trip – the pump will need a visual inspection for blockages.
4. Is the equipment old and unmaintained?
If yes – Pump and associated equipment will need to be checked.
Only consider the following if the size and weight of the pump allows:
- Remove sump cover
- How is the pump mounted? Free standing on guide rail system? Only consider removing pump from sump if it is a free-standing system.
- Locate lifting chain and slowly raise pump from sump?
- Visually inspect for damage or blockages.
- Remove any visible material from impellor and outlet.
- Lower pump back into the sump, reset electrical supply, and test for free operation of equipment.
5. Check the level control floats are operational
- Floats can be attached to the pump or wired in separately?
- Is the pump running continuously or is it not running at all? Either way, lift float or pump and float from sump, clean off and give a quick shake to reactivate.
- If this does not work, the floats appear to have failed and will require replacement.
- Check floats are not stuck on pipe work or debris, free up if necessary.
- If in doubt, call the experts for advice
Need a Hand?
If none of the above tips help and the pump still won’t start, then now is definitely the time to call in the experts and get the problem fixed before greater damage occurs. Give us a call on 0117 954 8030 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you.