When talking about any profession, most people tend to focus on the here and now. That's understandable. it's really important to know what's going on in the present tense. But you are missing out on some vital information if you never read and learn about the history of a profession. This applies to plumbing, in particular. You can really further your understanding of the profession by knowing how it began and what changes have been made over the years. That's why we sometimes reference the history of plumbing on this blog. We'll also dive into the future of the profession from time to time because, after all, you have to know where you're headed.
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A sump pump does a good job of keeping your basement dry, but only if it's functioning properly. Your pump should be checked regularly to make sure it's ready to go and that the backup battery is working too. In addition, it's a good idea to have your sump pump inspected and serviced annually by a plumber.
If your pump starts making odd noises or stops working, you'll want to have repairs done right away or your basement could get wet when it rains. Here are some things that might go bad on your sump pump and need to be replaced or repaired.
1. The Float Is Stuck
A stuck float is a fairly common problem. You may want to learn how to recognize this issue yourself so you can fix it without having to call a plumber. The float is a device that floats on top of the water in the sump pump pit. When the float gets high enough, it triggers a switch that turns the pump on to empty the water.
If the float gets stuck against something or gets trapped in debris, it may not be able to reach the switch and cause the pump to turn on. A plumber can fix this easily by releasing the float and cleaning the debris out of the well so the float can move freely again.
2. The Check Valve Isn't Working
Your sump pump may have a check valve on it. This is a one-way valve that keeps water from flowing back into the well from the discharge pipe. If the check valve goes bad, water keeps refilling the pump instead of being pumped outdoors. This causes your pump to run all the time to get rid of the same water over and over.
When the check valve is bad, it needs to be replaced. The plumber can disconnect the electricity, drain water from the well, and then replace the valve. The valve may be on the discharge line or the pump. Once it's replaced, the plumber will check to make sure the water empties as it should by pouring water into the well and verifying that it pumps out properly.
3. The Pump Motor Is Burned Out
If your sump pump runs for a long time due to heavy rain or because of a malfunction of another part, the motor can overheat and burn out. When the motor goes bad, your pump won't operate at all. When the motor goes bad, the plumber can replace it, but since the motor is a somewhat expensive part, the plumber might discuss if you want to replace the sump pump instead.
If your pump is old and will need to be replaced soon, you may want to get a new pump rather than invest in a new motor. Your plumber can help you decide on the best move.
For more info about sump pumps, contact a local professional.
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