| A sump pump plays a pivotal role in your | | | | manual. |
| home's drainage system. In fact, the | | | | |
| effectiveness of your drainage system is | | | | The troubleshooting part of your owner's |
| wholly dependent on the smooth operation of | | | | manual will give you information on what to |
| the pump. At times, sump pump failure does | | | | do in a situation where your pump is not |
| happen, leaving your basement area vulnerable | | | | responding as it should. If you have |
| to costly damage. The best way to avoid this | | | | performed the advised cleaning process and |
| potential damage is to closely follow the | | | | your pump still fails to work, you need to |
| guidelines laid out in the owner's manual | | | | check the electrical system. If your pump is |
| which provides the necessary instructions for | | | | plugged into an outlet much like any other |
| proper pump maintenance and operation. | | | | appliance outlet, unplug your pump and try |
| | | | plugging in a clock or lamp that you know |
| Regardless of what model of sump pump you | | | | works. Also check that the breaker is on. If |
| have, problems associated with pump failure | | | | your pump still fails to start, a manual will |
| are universal. For this reason, virtually | | | | instruct you to do the following: reset the |
| every sump pump owner's manual offers the | | | | switch on the motor, check to see that the |
| same tips for pump failure prevention. | | | | switch activated by the float is operational, |
| Although any number of problems may arise | | | | verify that the motor is not burned out from |
| with your pump, including a jammed or broken | | | | being overused while in the clogged state. As |
| control switch or a burned out motor, the | | | | a last resort, your manual will instruct you |
| first rule of prevention is to keep your pump | | | | to check the float switch by moving it up and |
| clean. Clogging is a major issue in sump pump | | | | down. This will have the effect of cleaning |
| maintenance. Dirt, debris and a variety of | | | | dirty switch contacts and operation should |
| other foreign objects can build up causing a | | | | resume immediately. Note that the switch |
| blockage in the inlet screen. The screen's | | | | should be replaced frequently, and if the |
| function is to remove small particles of | | | | switch can be removed, you may want to try |
| waste along with the water, but it can only | | | | and repair the damaged part yourself. |
| handle so much. To properly clean your sump | | | | |
| pump, use a pair of rubber gloves to collect | | | | The owner's manual accompanying your sump |
| all debris. Next, take a garden hose and fill | | | | pump will clearly tell you that your pump |
| the pump with water. As you fill the pump | | | | will not work effectively unless you perform |
| with water, the float will rise causing the | | | | proper sump pump maintenance. Your sump pump |
| pump to activate again. If your float rises | | | | plays an important role in your home, so take |
| but does not start the system, it is time to | | | | the time to read the manual carefully and |
| consult the troubleshooting section in your | | | | know how to keep it in good working order. |