Before you call that plumber, here are a couple of tips for trying to fix the problem yourself. Or at least keep your foundation from flooding until a professional can get to your home.
Tips that will help you solve and diagnose why your basin overflows:
1. Tap the discharge line coming out of the sump pit. “Sometimes” when I hit the line very lightly with a rubber mallet the main submersible pump would turn on. Why? because the float switch on an automatic would get stuck due to corrosion on the top metal rod that activates the motor. If this works, wait until the bin is empty to see if you can locate the cause of the failure. If there is no obvious reason why the submersible pump failed, you still need to replace the pump. If it happened once, it will happen again, and you may not be home when it happens.
If that doesn’t work, try this:
2. “On” Check the fuse box to see if a fuse has blown. If you have blown a fuse, reset the breaker by turning it off and back on. Or, you can plug a light into the outlet where the sump pump is plugged in to see if it’s getting power. If you are getting power, hurry up and replace the pump if you can or call a professional plumber. Do not reach into the sink when the pump is plugged in, if there is a short in the cord you may be electrocuted.
If that doesn’t work either, try this:
3. Disconnect the motor and reach into the container until you reach the pump. Feel around the sump pump to see if you can feel any debris stuck near or on the submersible pump. If so, gently dislodge the object. Once you have removed the object, simply lift the float switch to ensure it goes up and down correctly. Quickly plug the pump back into the outlet so it doesn’t flood.
I hope these tips help you save your base from flooding. You may want to consider getting a backup pump for added safety.
