How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump is a device which typically placed in a home’s basement. Its purpose is to pump water out of the home into a drainage system or sump pit. There are two types of sump pumps, pedestal and submersible. Pedestal pumps, as the name implies, are situated on a pedestal and are conspicuous. Submersible pumps, however, are encased to prevent electrical shortages.

These devices are generally electrically powered and have a back-up battery system to power them during electrical outages. Some models are not powered by electricity, rather, they are tied into a home’s pressurized water supply. The water pressure powers the sump pump in these models, making an electrical connection unnecessary.

What You’ll Need

• Rubber boots
• Bleach
• Brush
• Wrench
• Drain auger

Check the Power

A sump pump which does not function can be disconnected from its power source. This can be accidental or the result of a wiring failure. If a homeowner has a failing sump pump, its power connection should be checked. If there is standing water, put on rubber boots and inspect the power supply. If the electrical connection is in place, then check the main electrical panel. Make sure your hands are dry. Open the electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker or a burned out fuse. If a breaker is tripped or fuse burned out, then shut off the main switch and replace it. Turn the main switch back on and monitor it to ensure the replacement breaker or fuse does not trip or burn out.

Inspect the Float Switch

The float switch determines when the sump pump will cycle on and off. If your pump is so equipped, then check the float switch for blockage. It looks like a small black colored egg. If it is snagged on something, the sump pump cannot turn on. If the float switch does move freely but the pump does not cycle on, listen to the motor.

Check the Motor

Carefully listen to the sump pump with your hand pressed against it. If you can hear and/or feel the motor running but water is not being pumped, there could be a blockage. Disconnect the power supply and clean out the pump screen and/or drain pipe.

Unblock the Inlet Screen

At the bottom of the pump, water runs through an inlet screen. The screen is a stop to prevent debris from entering the pump, separating it from flowing water. Make sure the inlet screen is not clogged. If it has debris on it, clean it off thoroughly with a 1:4 mixture of bleach and water using a brush, then replace it.

Open the Drain Line

Check the drain line. If water is not flowing out, then it could be blocked. Using a wrench, disconnect the drain line and run the sump pump. If the pump works, water will visibly run through it. In this case, the drain line might be clogged. Use a drain auger to open the drain line. Once cleared, reconnect the drain line.

Owners can find more comprehensive information about their sump pump by reading their owner’s manual. If the problem persists, homeowners can contact a professional Denver plumber service to get to the root of the problem.

The post Troubleshoot your sump pump with these simple tips appeared first on Master Blaster Plumbing & Drain LLC - Denver, CO Plumbing Company.

What Causes Leaks

Leaks can spring up practically anywhere. Some are easy to spot, while others may be visible at a sight other than the source. For instance, a leak in an underground pipe might show up in a lawn by a sprinkler system, leading a homeowner to believe the sprinkler system is the source of the water leak.

Connection Points

The most common cause of a leak is a joint or connection failure. Elbow joints, T-joints or connectors and other meeting places where pipes are fitted together are usually a culprit. Over time, the glue or seal can break down and water finds its way out of the plumbing. Of course, this can happen behind walls, under the floor or even outside spigots.

Rust

Rust is another common occurring in older residential plumbing systems. Pipes rust over the course of time and the integrity of the metal is compromised. Water slowly pressures its way through rust, eventually rupturing the pipe. This can be a small, steady drip or an outright flow of water.

Freezing Conditions

Frozen pipes which thaw too quickly or become brittle are another source of leaks. In the Denver area, it’s not unusual for an exposed pipe to become frozen, then split or crack when thawed. Frozen pipes which burst can usually be fixed without having to make extensive repairs.

What You’ll Need

• Plastic cups
• Food coloring
• Flashlight
• Cotton balls
• Wire coat hanger
• Tape

Visual Leak Detection

Walk about the house, looking for pooling water or signs of water discoloration on the walls and floors. In most cases, if a leak is present, there will be visible evidence. In addition, odors might be present where water is pooling and/or has left discolorations. Check each faucet and spigot inside and outside the home. Make sure each one is completely shut off, then feel it for moisture. If you suspect the leak is intermittent or very slow, place a plastic cup under what you believe to be the source.

Auditory Leak Detection

While looking for leaks, use your ears. Listen carefully for dripping sounds or the trickle of running water. It is best to do this when the house is completely quiet. Carefully listen for water splashing in a tub, dripping from a shower head or striking the metal drain stop in a sink.

Water Meter Monitoring

If you cannot see or hear anything out of the ordinary, then take a few minutes to watch the water meter for leak detection. Make sure every faucet is off in and outside the house and that the lawn sprinklers, dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine and water heater are not cycling on during this time. Watch the meter carefully. If it turns or the digital display changes, there is a leak somewhere.

Test the Toilets

Lift the tank lid and squeeze food coloring into the tank of each toilet in the house. Wait ten to twenty minutes and then look inside each bowl. If the food coloring appears in one or more the bowls, there is a leak.

Check Each Appliance Using Water

Last but not least, shine a flashlight under and behind each appliance using water to look for pooling water. If visual leak detection by inspection isn’t possible, then adhere cotton balls to a straightened wire hanger with tape and swab under and behind each appliance. If the cotton becomes soaked, you have found a possible leak.

Denver homeowners can find more information about water saving measures, leak detection conservation at Denver Water. If the leak continues, than homeowners can hire an experienced Denver plumbing service to get professional leak detection.

The post Easy Leak Detection Plumbing Tips appeared first on Master Blaster Plumbing & Drain LLC - Denver, CO Plumbing Company.