4 Common Reasons Your Sump Pump Is Running Vancouver

There is no homeowner in the Pacific Rim who isn’t familiar with the rain. When winter arrives and the skies get dark, it's important to be prepared for potential floods. Optimal gutters and shingles are great preventative measures to take against heavy rainfall, but a sump pump is an immeasurable benefit when it comes to protecting your home from flooding and water damage.

A sump pump will help divert water away from the foundation of your home. Any water that gathers in the exterior French drain will automatically be pumped away from your home. This is essential for preventing flood in the basement. This plumbing device is one of the most significant arsenals in your home's plumbing tool belt. That's why it's so important to take notice when you have a sump pump running continuously.

Your entire sump pump system should only run when it detects water for moisture elimination. So, when have a constantly running sump pump, it’s clear that something has gone wrong and you may need to call in a Vancouver plumber.

In this blog post, we'll explore four reasons why your sump pump is running and how to get that running sump pump back to optimal condition.

The Importance of a Sump Pump in Vancouver

Due to Vancouver’s heavy rains, having a sump pump system in place is invaluable. The majority of homes are built with basements, so you'll want to take every measure you can to prevent any risk of basement flooding. A sump pump's job is to use a suctioning system to redirect water away from your foundation. If the water is allowed to seep into the foundation, basement flooding can occur and along with it water damage, mold, fire from electrical cords, and wood rot. So, when you have a running sump pump, it's important to get to the bottom of the problem. Read on to find out the top four reasons why your sump pump is running.

4 Reasons Why Your Sump Pump Is Running Constantly

You may know that a sump pump is important for any coastal location, but you may not know the reasons behind a constantly running sump pump.

Float Switch Malfunction

Problem: One of the common causes behind a running sump pump is a jammed float switch. What is a float switch? Well, the float switch is a sensor that tells the sump pump when to activate. It sits on the surface where water will settle and lifts when said water rises, signalling to the pump to siphon water away from the foundation.

Solution: It's not uncommon for the float valve and float arm of the device to get entangled. When this happens, you'll have a running sump pump on your hands. Simply power down the sump pump and untangle these two components. If you have untangled them and your sump pump is still running, then something else is likely at fault for your sump pump failure.

Clogged Discharge Pipe

Problem: The job of the discharge pipe is right in the name. It discharges the infecting water away from the foundation of your house. This drain pipe can become easily clogged with debris, dirt, and other foreign objects, leading to a running sump pump. When this happens, it will send water to the pump again, where the cycle will be repeated. So, what do you do about these uncontrollable sump pump running problems?

Solution: Try using a drain snake to remove blockage from the drainage pipe. If the blockage has been removed and the sump pump is still running, you may need to call in a plumbing expert to get to the bottom of the issue.

Sump Pump Check Valve Malfunction

Problem: The job of the check valve is to prevent water from going back into the sump pump pit. When the valve has malfunctioned or broken, you'll find your sump pump is running constantly.

Solution: Inspect the faulty check valve on your running sump pump. Look for signs of wear and ensure the ring clamps are correctly in place. If the check valve has worn or been damaged, then a replacement part will be needed for the broken sump pump valve to prevent your sump pump from running.

Drainage System Issues

Problem: If you've given your sump pump a thorough inspection and none of the above problems seem to be the issue, then there could be a drainage issue on your property. For example, if you have an underground spring leak, this will signal excess water to the sump pump, which will continually run to divert water away from the house. Or if you have a sewer line break or leak, the underground leak from the broken pipe will ignite the sensor and keep the sump pump running. Alternatively, your sump pump basin may be too deep.

Solution: In these cases, it's best to call in a sump pump professional right away to inspect your sewer lines and underground water system for a sump pump repair. We'll get to the bottom of your sump pump running issues.

Keep That Basement Dry! When Your Sump Pump Is Running Uncontrollably, Call Our Affordable Sump Pump Services!

Don't allow your running sump pump to cause you grief for one more second with those loud noises! We can look into your sump pump system and get to the root of the issue in no time. Whether you have an underground leak, mechanical issues, or a broken check valve, you can depend on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver. And that's not all! We also offer a wide range of plumbing services. Some of these include drain repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation, and more to North Vancouver, Vancouver, South Cambie, and West Vancouver.

Not sure if you're ready to call us in to help with your sump pump running issues? Just check out these verified reviews from your neighbors and see the difference we can make for your plumbing systems and running sump pump!

Contact us today to book an appointment! When your sump pump is running and you need a sump pump replacement or general sump pump maintenance, you can rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver. We'll get to the bottom of all your sump pump issues!