Along with being one of the most common causes of sewer backups, too much rainfall can also spell disaster for your sump pump. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other severe weather are part of life in Macon, GA.
Many homeowners with basements or crawl spaces have sump pumps installed to prevent rising water levels from flooding into the house. It’s installed in a pit below ground level. It moves water from indoors to outdoors by automatically turning on when the water level gets too high, pumping excess water out of the basement and away from the property.
But do you know what to do if your sump pump stops working? If your sump pump stops pumping water out of your home during a storm, you face serious water damage, resulting in structural issues, mold and mildew growth, and potential electrical hazards. The best thing you can do is call your trusted local plumber as soon as you notice signs of trouble with your sump pump.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, our contractors understand the urgency of a broken sump pump. We provide fast, effective sump pump repair and installation, along with solutions that keep your home safe from flooding during the next big storm.
Why Sump Pumps Fail During Storms
Some of the most common reasons for sump pump failure during bad weather are:
- Power loss: A tripped breaker or power outage will shut the sump pump down. When power is restored, if the breaker isn’t reset or a GFCI outlet has tripped, the pump won’t turn back on until you address the issue.
- Clogs: When dirt and debris fall into the sump pit, they can clog mechanical parts, jam switches, and cause mechanical failures.
- Overload: Continuous storms can overwork the pump and burn out the motor, while heavy rainfall can overwhelm the system.
- Stuck float switch: The float switch has sensors that tell the pump when to turn on. If the switch is stuck in the off position, your sump pump won’t work.
- It’s burned out: The pump can burn out if it’s undersized for your needs or is getting older. You may need to replace your sump pump if this is the case.
- There’s no water in the sump pit: There may be an issue with your basement drainage system. Schedule an inspection to determine whether your drain tile is clogged or installed incorrectly.
Steps To Take When Your Sump Pump Stops Working
Here’s what to do if your sump pump fails, but there’s no danger of water getting into the basement at the moment:
- Check that it’s still plugged in
- Look at your electrical panel for tripped breakers
- Check whether the GFCI outlet has tripped
- Check for visible blockages in the discharge line
- Make sure your discharge line is aimed away from your home’s foundation
- Turn the sump pump off if it is making noise but not pumping water
- Consider installing a battery backup to prevent total failure
- Schedule a repair call with a Ricky Heath plumber
Some signs your sump pump is failing include:
- Water in your basement
- No power to the pump
- A burning smell
- Vibration when the motor’s running
- Unusual rattling or grinding sounds
- Continuous running or short cycling
- Visible corrosion on the pump
- Musty odors or sewage smells in the house
What To Do if Your Sump Pump Fails Completely
Sump pump failure is not something anybody wants to deal with. If your basement has already started to flood and the sump pump has failed, you should:
- Step one: Turn off the power to the affected area (if safe to do so)
- Step two: Move any furniture or belongings to a dry area.
- Step three: Schedule professional remediation within 48 hours to prevent serious mold problems and damage.
- Step four: Contact Ricky Heath for a sump pump replacement.
Our team lives and works in your area, so we understand what it’s like to live in a place where storms can cause flooding. When you choose Ricky Heath, we’ll help you choose the right type of sump pump for your home, size it correctly, and install it with precision, testing it before we leave to ensure it keeps your basement dry.
How To Prevent Future Sump Pump Failures
Taking proactive steps to prevent sump pump failure is smart. Some things you can do to keep your sump pump working well include:
- Keeping the pit clean and free of debris
- Testing your sump pump often to protect your home and plumbing system
- Installing a backup pump
- Installing a high-water alarm in the pit
- Booking regular maintenance
- Ensuring your sump pump has been installed by professionals
Call Ricky Heath for Sump Pump Repairs and Replacements
By recognizing signs of failure, keeping the system well-maintained, and understanding the causes of the most common sump pump issues, you can better protect your home.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, our licensed plumbers consistently deliver reliable service. We understand the needs of Georgia residents and always put your comfort and safety above all else. You can count on our plumbers to tailor expert solutions to solve your sump pump problem, whatever it may be.
Our service areas include:
- Jeffersonville
- Perry
- Juliette
- Musella
- Bonaire
- Fort Valley
- Milledgeville
- And other nearby communities.
Book your sump pump service today by calling us at 478-738-0882 or using our online contact form. We’re available Monday through Saturday, accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks, and offer financing. Don’t forget to check out our special offers for even more savings. Your satisfaction is guaranteed when you choose Ricky Heath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sump pump trip the breaker during storms?
If the breaker trips when your sump pump turns on, the circuit is likely overloaded, or there could be moisture causing the GFCI outlet to trip. Call Ricky Heath to book a sump pump inspection if your sump pump keeps tripping the breaker. There may be other issues at play.
Can I manually start a failed sump pump?
You may be able to manually start a failed sump pump, but it depends on the reason the pump has failed. Try unplugging it and plugging it back in, or manually lift the float switch. If these options don’t work, call your local Georgia plumber and book a repair.
How can I test my sump pump before storm season?
To test your sump pump, pour water into the sump pit and watch to see if it pumps away the water effectively. You may also want to check your discharge pipe before storm season and clear away any clogs or debris. Testing the pump often will alert you to any signs of trouble. We recommend taking these steps twice a year, once in the springtime and once before winter.
