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What is a Sump Pump?
Your sump pump drains water away from the foundation of your home, preventing excess ground water that causes floods. Sump pumps are particularly important in areas of high rain fall, like the Vancouver area. A sump pump will redirect water into a storm drain and therefore lower your risk of experiencing a flood.
Sump Pump not Draining
If your sump pump is not draining properly, it may be overwhelmed by the volume of water it needs to drain. Especially common during heavy rains, this may be due to the fact that it simply isn’t powerful enough to do the job. As sump pumps age, the mechanisms wear out over time and become less efficient. This is particularly true with cheap, plastic models. In this situation, your best option is a sump pump replacement.
No Water in Sump Pump
If your sump pump appears to work fine on the surface, but there’s no water collecting, it may be a drainage issue. The drainage system usually collects water from the foundation and channels it using gravity into the sump pump. If the leading drain tile is collapsed, clogged, or not connected, no water will be able to flow. It would be best to get your basement drainage system inspected by a knowledgable professional to find the root cause.
Sump Pump Won’t Turn Off
The mechanical parts, switches, or the pit itself on a sump pump can commonly collect dirt and eventually clog up. The switch is likely stuck on the “on” position. The sump pump may also not be powerful enough and thus has to work all the time to remove water. The pit may also be too small, requiring the sump to be turned on too frequently. This is called a short cycling pump. The check valve in your system prevents water from flowing back into the pit after it has been pumped out. A broken or missing check valve will guarantee your pump is always working overtime. If the issue isn’t obvious to you, we recommend getting it inspected by a Jack plumbing technician.