When you hear rain pounding on the roof of your Burnsville home, it can cause alarm. Instead of feeling relaxed as the storm rages outside, you wonder if today’s the day that your basement’s protection is coming to an end. Since sump pump failures are a common reason that people end up with water damage, your fears are rational.
Don’t worry; the sump pump experts have a lot to say about how to keep these systems in check. In this guide, MN Plumbing & Home Services will explain why sump pump failure happens and how our plumbing services in Burnsville can help.
Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure
Sump pump failure usually traces back to a handful of repeat offenders. Age is one of the biggest factors, since many models only last about 7 to 10 years before the internal parts wear out. A pump that’s undersized for your basement may also struggle to keep up during heavy storms, running constantly until it burns out.
Improper installation causes trouble, too. If the pit isn’t connected to a proper drainage system, or the pump sits directly on the debris at the bottom of the pit, the system may not be able to move the water to where it needs to go.
A float switch malfunction is another leading reason that sump pumps fail. This small but important part tells the pump when to turn on and off. If it gets stuck or tangled, the pump may not activate.
You might also face a clogged discharge line that causes similar trouble from the other end of the system. Debris or even ice buildup can block water from exiting your home, forcing it right back toward your basement floor.
What Happens to the Pump When the Power Goes Out?
You can learn all about sump pumps from a professional plumber if you want the full picture of how these systems operate. These units may seem simple on the surface, but several small parts have to work together perfectly every time for the pump to protect your home.
A power outage is one of the fastest ways to turn a working sump pump into a useless one. Storms strong enough to flood your basement are often the same ones that knock out the area’s electricity. That scenario may leave your primary setup stranded right when your home needs it most, which is exactly why a battery backup sump pump is essential.
This backup unit kicks in automatically the moment your main pump loses power. The idea is to give your basement continued protection until the grid comes back online or the storm passes.
Let MN Plumbing & Home Services Keep Your Basement Dry
A sump pump failure is a problem, no matter the reason for it. Whether you’re interested in preventing basement flooding or avoiding plumbing emergencies, it helps to have a professional on call to inspect and repair your systems as needed. We invite you to call MN Plumbing & Home Services at (952) 522-2231 to do just that for your Burnsville, MN, home.