What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
The most common reason for sump pump failure is an electrical power outage as a result of bad weather or a storm. Sump pumps depend on your home for power and these blackouts can be problematic. Because power outages happen at random, the best way to combat this is by having a backup generator.
How often should sump pump discharge?
To answer the question simply, a sump pump should only run whenever it is needed. In other words, it should only run whenever a certain water level is met. Though this isn’t a very direct answer, it is the most accurate one. If you live in an area that rains a lot, your sump pump should kick on pretty often.
Why isn’t my sump pump draining?
If the drain pipe, also called the discharge pipe, gets clogged, the pump can’t move water from your basement to the outside of your home. If the water in your sump pit is moving slowly, or not at all, the drain pipe may be blocked by debris. You can repair this by cleaning the pipe.
How far should sump pump discharge from house?
This discharge line should be sized according to the pump manufacturer’s recommendations. Most sump pumps have a recommended discharge size of 1.5 inches. The line must be run to the outside of the house. Many homeowners want the pipe connected to their sewer, but this is against code.
Will basement flood if sump pump fails?
If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run every hour?
Assuming your sump pump is in good normal operating condition, it should only run when the water level activates that float switch. Depending on your location, it’s not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day.
How much water should a sump pump have in it?
If you are sizing your current sump pit for a sump pump, it’s important to know how much water it holds. As a general rule of thumb, for sump pits that are 18” in diameter, each inch of water equals around 1 gallon.
How do you clean the discharge line on a sump pump?
Avoid pulling up on the float switch or power cord. Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.
How do you fix a frozen sump pump discharge?
If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it’s best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.
Can a sump pump discharge into sewer?
It is critical that sump pumps discharge to the yard or storm sewer, not to the sanitary sewer. It is illegal to connect your sump pump into your sanitary lateral.
Where should sump pump discharge?
The discharge point should be at least 10 feet away from your foundation, but 20 feet is better. Otherwise, the water will reabsorb into the soil, and your pump will need to remove it again.
How to install a sump pump discharge pipe?
Threaded Adapter
What type of pipe for sump pump discharge?
Most sump pumps have a built-in fitting for a certain sized discharge pipe, typically 1.25” or 1.5” inside diameter. (Because most sump pump discharge pipe is PVC, determining interior diameter is important. These pipes will be closer to 1.5” and 2” on the outside respectively.)
How to fix a sump pump discharge line?
IceGuard® Drainage Line Fitting
How do you insulate a sump pump discharge pipe?
– Keep your water running. – Prevent the water from meeting freezing air. – Give your sump pump a slight slope. – Add some insulation. – Reduce its workload. – Increase the distance between the sump pump and wastewater area.