- Locate the reset button on the motor. If there isn't one, locate the on/off switch and turn it off, or unplug the pump directly from the electrical outlet.
- Look inside of the sump pump.
- Plug the pump back in or move the switch back to the on position if there was no reset button.
- Disconnect the power. ...
- Take the sump pump out of the basin. ...
- Clean out the sump pump. ...
- Return the sump pump to the basin and restart the power. ...
- Reset the sump pump.
How do I Keep my sump pump running during a power outage?
Responsible home owners will also have a backup battery in case of a power outage to keep their sump pump running. If there is an outage or surge it may disable or fry the battery so it is important to reset the connection and double check the wired connection.
Does my sump pump need to be reset?
If your sump pump is not running quite as good as the day it was installed it might need to be reset. Your sump pump is responsible for pumping ground water that builds up in your basement into the sewer or drain.
What to do when your sump pump alarm goes off?
Always take high water alarms serious or you could be looking at a big bill! When your sump pump alarm goes off find out the cause right away in case the pump isn’t working. Sometimes a sump pump can simply stop pumping adequately and need to be reset. If your sump pump is running, then you can just let it do its job.
What happens if your sump pump loses power?
If your sump pump loses power and quits working, you may not know it until your basement is damaged or flooded. If you are lucky enough to realize it has stopped working in a prompt manner, do you have a working backup plan in place? If not, you may have an expensive, aggravating problem on your hand.
Does a sump pump need to be reset after a power outage?
If your sump pump is not running quite as good as the day it was installed it might need to be reset. Your sump pump is responsible for pumping ground water that builds up in your basement into the sewer or drain.
Is there a reset button on sump pump?
Locate the reset button on the motor. If there isn't one, locate the on/off switch and turn it off, or unplug the pump directly from the electrical outlet.
What happens if power goes out and sump pump stops?
When the pump stops working, you need to start working. With a dormant pump, there's going to be water coming into the basement. If the amount of water is manageable, you can mop it up, deposit it to a bucket, and dump at least 20 feet away from the house. The faster you remove the excess water, the better.
Can a power outage damage a sump pump?
Many sump pumps use your home's electricity to run, which is why power outages can cause your sump pump to fail.
How do I restart my sump pump?
Follow these 5 simple steps to reset your sump pump:Disconnect the power. ... Take the sump pump out of the basin. ... Clean out the sump pump. ... Return the sump pump to the basin and restart the power. ... Reset the sump pump.
How do I reset my pump?
Hold the reset lever in the start position until the pressure builds up and the gauge reads over 40 PSI; then let it return to the AUTO position. The pump should now run on its own and continue until the pressure reaches the cut out setting, (usually between 50 - 60 PSI), and then shut off.
How do you run a sump pump when the power goes out?
Fill your generator with fuel. Plug your extension cord into your generator and start it. Connect your sump pump to the extension cord and make sure the pump starts running. Keep an eye on the water level to make sure it is working properly.
How do sump pumps work if power goes out?
Check Your Sump Pump's Backup Systems Many will be fitted with an onboard DC power source, which in layman's terms means that when an alternating current (or the mains connection fails) a backup battery within the sump pump itself will kick in to keep your pump working and protect your basement.
What do you do when your sump pump stops working?
Sump Pump Doesn't Turn OnMake sure the unit has power. Check to see that it's plugged in and that the circuit has power via the home's main electrical panel.Test the outlet to ensure it's working. ... Check the float switch to see if the pump turns on when you manually lift the float. ... Check the impeller for clogs.
How long can a sump pump run without power?
roughly 1-3 daysRun-time of a new fully-charged battery As a general rule of thumb, during a power outage most new fully-charged batteries will last roughly 5-7 hours of continuous pumping and roughly 1-3 days of non-continuous pumping depending on the frequency. The longer the pump runs, the less power it has.
How do you run a sump pump manually?
To activate it manually, simply reach your hand into the sump basin and press up on the switch until the pump engages. Tether Switches: The classic “float switch on a string.” More common in older pump configurations you may test this float by simply lifting it up and turning it upside down.
Does a sump pump need electricity?
Primary sump pumps rely on electricity. Unfortunately, when the power goes out basement flooding can occur within a few hours. There is not much time before water damage takes its toll. Battery backup systems provide sump pumps with the electricity that is needed to power a backup sump pump during a power outage.
How do you fix a sump pump that won't turn on?
Sump Pump Doesn't Turn OnMake sure the unit has power. Check to see that it's plugged in and that the circuit has power via the home's main electrical panel.Test the outlet to ensure it's working. ... Check the float switch to see if the pump turns on when you manually lift the float. ... Check the impeller for clogs.
Where is the switch on a sump pump?
ÿThis type of switch is usually mounted very low on the pump body or on the side of the pump. As the water level rises in the sump basin, the pressure exerted on the switch is increased.
Why isn't my sump pump draining?
If the drain pipe, also called the discharge pipe, gets clogged, the pump can't move water from your basement to the outside of your home. If the water in your sump pit is moving slowly, or not at all, the drain pipe may be blocked by debris. You can repair this by cleaning the pipe.
How do you troubleshoot a sump pump?
Flood Prevention: How to Troubleshoot Your Sump Pump1) Check to see if the Sump Pump is clogged. ... 2) Check to see if the Floating Switch is Jammed. ... 3) Check the Discharge Line. ... 4) Examine the Check Valve. ... 5) Make Sure the Sump Pump Has Power. ... 6) Make Sure the Sump Pit is Big Enough.More items...•
What happens if my sump pump is not working?
Your sump pump is responsible for pumping ground water that builds up in your basement into the sewer or drain.
Why do sump pumps need to be cleaned?
Sump pumps and basin pits collect dirt and grime over time, cleaning them will extend their lifespan and prevent future problems. It is also a good idea to check the exterior for rust or potential spots that might leak before the motor is flooded.
How long does it take to reset a Zoeller pump?
Most pumps from name brand companies – like Zoeller – are well made and rarely need restarting but every pump needs some maintenance from time to time! Resetting your pump is easy and only takes a few minutes. Let’s go over the 6 steps so you can reset your pump and clear out and debris that might cause failure and flooding!
What to check before reattaching a pump?
Before reattaching your pump check that the drain lines and discharge pipe are free of clogs and in good working order. Clogged drains means your pump has to work harder than it needs to – increasing your risk of a smoking pump and causing extra noise (unless you have one of these super quiet pumps )!
What is a quick reset button on a pump?
Some models have “quick reset” buttons that allow you to cycle the power and motor without taking the pump out of the pit. These are good for quick fixes but don’t always solve mechanical problems!
What is the most important part of resetting a pump?
Reconnecting everything is one of the most important parts of resetting your pump – one wrong step and you could have an expected leak on your hands! Before you are done make sure the float switch can rise and fall with the water level in the pit.
Can you reset a sump pump after a storm?
Resetting After Outages. Sump pumps are sensitive to power outages and surges. If the power goes out to your home during a storm or the breaker surges it is a good idea to test your pump and make sure the electrical system is not fried before the next rainstorm.
When Is the Time to Reset the Sump Pump?
If your sump pump isn’t running quite well as the day, it was installed.
Detailed Guideline on How to Reset the Sump Pump
Resting a sump pump is an easy process. These are some step by step processes you need to know for resetting the sump pump:
Conclusion
Your sump pump may need reset for several reasons, and it’s vital to understand the way to reset it. To keep running during flooding, electrical surges, short circuits, faulty parts, or power failures, you need to learn how to reset it.
How to prevent a sump pump from leaking during a power outage?
One way to prevent sump pump failure during a power outage is to have a battery backup for your sump pump , which will keep the pump running even if your power is out. In addition to battery sump pump backups, some pumps also have water-powered backup systems that use your home’s water supply to remove water from the sump pit.
What happens if my sump pump fails?
If your sump pump fails, you could be facing excessive water damage to your home.
How does a sump pump work?
How a Sump Pump Works. Sump pumps sit in a sump pit, which is generally installed at the lowest point of your basement . Water that makes its way into your home’s foundation is diverted into a drain system that surrounds the basement perimeter. That water drains into the sump pump pit, where the sump pump removes the water by pumping it ...
Why does my sump pump fail?
Many sump pumps use your home’s electricity to run, which is why power outages can cause your sump pump to fail. Power outages can happen for a number of reasons, including heavy rains. But that’s also exactly when you need that water pumped out of your home to avoid water damage.
What causes power outages?
Power outages are often caused by severe storms. Lightning can hit trees, which then fall on electrical equipment. Sometimes, lightning strikes the equipment directly, causing an outage. High winds and ice (especially when combined) can also bring down power lines and poles.
Does Farm Bureau cover sump pump failure?
You’ll also want to contact your agent to determine if your homeowners insurance covers sump pump failure. Farm Bureau offers optional coverage to cover damage caused by sump pump failure. Work with your local Farm Bureau agent to help determine how much coverage you may need.
Why is my sump pump not working during a storm?
That’s because a standard sump pump loses its ability to function while water is falling from the sky and building up around the foundation of your home.
What is a good back up plan for a sump pump?
The good news for home owners is that there are a few different types of back up plans available. Some of the most popular include: Secondary Electric Pump. In case your primary sump pump fails, it’s a good idea to have a secondary electric pump on hand and ready to go. The secondary pump can be installed a little higher in ...
Can a secondary pump kick on a power outage?
The secondary pump can be installed a little higher in the sump basket than your primary pump and will kick on in case of failure. Many people go this route thinking they are covered, but remember: an electric pump will not work during a power outage. While the secondary pump will help in other cases of failure, ...
How do sump pumps protect your basement?
Sump pumps protect your basement from water by pumping excess water from the pit to the exterior of your home. Once the water level in your pit reaches a certain height it is expelled via a pump and tube. You want the tube to drain at least 10 feet from the exterior of your home, so the water is not coming right back into your house.
What is an uninterruptible power supply?
An uninterruptible power supply will provide you with an assurance your basement will keep from getting any water damage. If you are purchasing a generator the first decision to make is whether it will be used for your sump pump or to power all your home’s necessities during an outage.
Can you be caught in a storm without a pump?
You do not want to be caught in a storm without a pump. Many other things can be the cause of a pump error like your discharge pipes, the float, the float valve, the pump becoming unplugged, and more.
Can you keep a generator running in your home?
Never keep the generator running in or near your home, garage, tent, or any enclosed location. Get yourself a generator extension cord long enough to keep your generator at a safe distance from your home and still able to reach your pump.
How long does it take for a sump pump to kick on?
Depending on how often your sump pump needs to kick on to pump out the rising water, you might get anywhere from 5-12 hours on most battery setups for high-frequency pumping.
How often does a golf cart pump kick on?
If your pump only kicks on once every 15 or 30 minutes, you might get days out of the battery backup system. Regardless, once the battery is done, it’s done – at least until you find a means to charge it back up. Two GC2 golf cart batteries hooked up in series form my battery bank. Cost is also another factor.
Can a sump pump be used without electricity?
When we start thinking of basic preparedness for power outages, one of the big concerns is what to do with your sump pump without electricity. A heavy deluge of rain and wind can knock out electricity and cause some nasty flooding.
Can a water powered backup sump pump work without power?
They come in either “above sump” or “in sump” designs. The water powered backup sump pumps can work without power as long as you still have municipal water pressure. They use the incoming municipal water pressure to create a siphon in order to pump the water out of the basement.
How long should a sump pump run?
Ideally you want a back up that can run for at least 4 hours so your power has a chance to come back on.
Why does my sump alarm go off?
If the water level in your sump pit or basement exceeds a certain level, then the alarm can go off to let you know so you can take more action to prevent your basement or crawl space from flooding. This is accomplished by a sensor that is set at a particular level. When the water rises to the sensor the alarm will trigger in ...
Why does my sump pump beep?
Sometimes a beep from the pump may mean the batteries are low in the alarm. Most sump pumps have good built in alarms and alerts so if you hear beeping investigate right away when the alarm goes off. Most pump alarms beep when a problem is detected but high end pumps like the PumpSpy can also send text message alerts to your phone ...
Why won't my basement watchdog alarm stop?
If you Basement Watchdog battery alarm won’t stop first make sure that there is nothing wrong with your pump system and there is no risk of a flood. After that check the power connection for the pump and battery back up as well as fill the unit to make sure it is not overheating or too cold air and at risk of freezing.
What happens when water rises to the sensor?
When the water rises to the sensor the alarm will trigger in the alarm box and warn you that a flood will happen soon. Always check this first as it can potentially cause the most damage. Remember – if the power is out you will need to bring a flashlight or your cell phone.
Can you leave a sump pump running?
If your sump pump is running, then you can just let it do its job. Some people remove the sensor and dry it out but only return it after the pump has discharged the excessive water. This works too – but you need to know what you are doing or you may permanently damage the pump.
Is it normal for water to be in a pump basin?
Some water in your pump basin is normal – especially if it has been raining but if it looks like there is “too much” something might be wrong. If the water level is too high check to see if the pump is working and if the drain lines are clogged.
Step 1 – Disconnect The Power
Step 2 – Remove The Pump
Step 3 – Clean Dirt & Debris
Step 4 – Check Drain Lines
Step 5 – Reconnect Everything
Using The Reset Button
- Some problems can be fixed by cycling the power to restart the motor. If your pump has a reset button is is a good idea to try and reset the motor before trying more advanced fixes. If this does not fix the problem it is usually a good sign something is seriously wrong and you need to take further action to prevent a flooded basement. What if there...