Why Is Your Sump Pump Not Working in Oakbank, MB?

Can you count on your sump pump to keep the basement of your Oakbank home nice and dry? If you’re hit with a sump pump not working, your basement could flood when the next big storm rolls through town.



Why risk it? If you’re having trouble after trying our sump pump repair tips below, call King’s Services for fast plumbing services in Oakbank, MB.

Sump Pump Not Working? Try These Sump Pump Troubleshooting Tips To Protect Your Oakbank Home

If your sump pump is on the fritz, the problem could be anything from a lack of power to a stuck float sensor. Here are some of the most common reasons sump pumps fail in Oakbank and what to do about each problem.

The Pump System Has No Power

Like other appliances, your sump pump needs electricity to run. If the system won’t turn on at all, it’s probably not receiving power. This can happen due to a power outage or because you’ve accidentally unplugged the unit.

Check that you’ve securely connected the pump to an electrical outlet and that you haven’t turned off the breaker for the system. Still nothing? It’s time to call a local plumber.

King’s Services may also recommend installing a battery backup system to prevent issues caused by sump pump power failure. Should the electricity go out, the battery backup will continue to power your pump. In a huge storm, that's a lifesaver.

The Sump Pump Is Overheating

Is the sump pump not working? Your sump unit draws a lot of power and generates large amounts of heat when it’s running. Most systems will have built-in thermal protection to combat sump pump overheating, but if your system is the submersible type, you’ll also need to ensure that there’s enough water around the unit’s motor to keep it cool. 

Your pump may also overheat if its pit is too small. A constant full pit will mean your unit has to work harder to remove the water. Eventually, the motor will burn out.

There’s Too Much Water for the Pump To Handle

Nobody in Oakbank wants to see their basement overflowing. Is your sump pump not working to remove the water fast enough? If the system is overheating, as mentioned above, you might try unplugging the pump to reset it.

Wait for a few minutes before plugging the sump pump back in. This breather allows the motor to cool down and might restart it. If that doesn’t work, the overflow valve or discharge line may be faulty, and you’ll have to call a plumber in Oakbank right away to avoid a water-damaged basement or foundation.

The Sump Pump Has a Clog

Sump pumps are complex machines. Several nooks and crannies in the pump can attract debris, such as mud, rocks, and sticks.

Experts recommend checking your system for clogs after every storm as follows: 

• Find the pipe that drains water from the pump to the outside of your house. 
• Is this pipe moving water away from your foundation, not toward your home? 
• If the pipe is out of alignment, move it back to the correct position. 
• Inspect the inside of the pipe with a flashlight and remove any debris you see stuck inside it.

You’ll also want to clean off your sump pump filter.

There’s a Stuck Sump Pump Float Switch

Your sump pump contains a float sensor that’s responsible for telling the machine when to turn on and off. If it’s stuck, the system won’t do anything.

This situation commonly happens due to a piece of debris nudging the float sensor out of alignment. Remove the debris and put the float sensor back in the right place, and the pump should kick on at the right time. 

If the problem persists, your pump might need a new sensor. In Oakbank, sump pump sensors need replacing after five to seven years.

It’s Time To Replace Your Sump Pump

After all of these checks, does your sump pump still refuse to work? Maybe it’s past its prime.

Most sump pumps will give you about 10 years before they begin to fail. If yours is due for replacement, don’t wait too long to call our plumbers. You'll want to choose the best model for your Oakbank home and have us install it before the next storm comes around.

Is Your Sump Pump Not Working After Trying Our Tips? Call Our Plumbers in Oakbank, Manitoba

A sump pump not working is a big deal in Oakbank, Manitoba’s climate. Whether you’re having sump pump drainage problems or you need sump pump maintenance, King’s Services can help.



Give us a call today!