Sump Pump Just Won't Keep Your Basement Dry? Your Pipes Could Be Clogged
If your sump pump isn't as reliable now as it was in the past, there could be a number of reasons why. Your sump pump should keep your basement completely dry all year round, especially during the rainy season. But if your sump pump fails, rainwater, condensation, and other forms of water can invade or build up on your basement's floor. Here's one issue your sump pump could have today that affects how well it keeps your basement dry.
Is Your Sump Pump Discharge and Inlet Pipes Clogged?
Although sump pumps are relatively reliable appliances, they can clog up over a period of time. Mud, leaves, cotton, and other types of debris can settle inside the pump's discharge pipe and keep it from channeling water away from your basement. Debris may also clog up the inlet pipe and screen found inside your sump pump. All of these potential issues can allow water to back up into the pump and spill out of it over time.
If you're able to, locate the discharge pipe and inspect it for buildup. You also want to examine the inlet pipe and screen inside the pump for clogs. If you can remove the debris safely, do so. However, you may need to remove your sump pump from the floor to complete the project. If you don't feel comfortable doing the job, consult a plumber immediately.
What Will a Plumber Do?
A plumber may need to check every part of your sump pump system before they can provide a solution for your problem. Although the problems mentioned above can make a sump pump stop working, there may be other serious issues to repair as well. One of the largest concerns a plumber may have about your pump is the size.
Sump pumps that lack the size and power to channel water away from basements and other low-lying structures can fail over time. If your pumping system doesn't have enough horsepower to move water properly, a plumber can install one that does meet the specifications your basement needs. In addition, your sump pump's piping system may be inadequate. In this case, you may need to have a new discharge pipe and drainage system installed in your basement and around the perimeter of your house. If you don't replace the pipe now, it may cause you substantial problems later.
For more details on why your sump pump stopped channeling water out of your basement, consult a sump pump repair service today.
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