Why Is My House Not Draining?

If your house is not draining properly, it is likely due to a problem with your sump pump. A sump pump is a pump that is installed at the lowest point in your home in order to remove any water that has accumulated there. If the sump pump is not functioning properly, the water will not be drained from your home and will instead accumulate, leading to flooding.

 

At Oak Plumbing, we have years of detailed experience with a wide variety of plumbing issues. We promise value for your dollar and offer special deals for all of your plumbing needs. Our skilled experts are certified for services like:

 

  • Water filtration services
  • Sewer repairs
  • Gas and Water Leak Detection
  • Toilet, Slab Leak, Pipe, and Gas Line Repairs
  • Kitchen & Bathroom Plumbing.

 

If you are experiencing any water filtering issues, our expert plumbers are trained in a variety of different methods to help resolve each individual case. Contact us to find your trusted professional plumber and special offers today.

 

How Sump Pumps Work

Sump pumps work by using hydrostatic pressure to force water out of the home and away from the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure is created when the weight of water puts downward pressure on an object. This happens when water builds up around a home’s foundation due to heavy rains or snowmelts. The hydrostatic pressure can cause problems such as cracking walls, leaking windows, and basement flooding. 

A sump pump redirects the water that has built up around the foundation away from home and into a drainage system or dry well. This helps to relieve the hydrostatic pressure on the foundation and prevents basement flooding. Sump pumps can be powered by electricity or battery power, making them reliable even during power outages. 

Sump pumps are an important part of any home’s flood prevention system. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it is important to have a sump pump installed in your home in order to protect your property from damage. 

 

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two different types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. Pedestal sump pumps have the motor placed above the pit, while submersible sump pumps have the motor placed inside the pit. Both types of sump pumps are effective, but submersible sump pumps tend to be more popular because they are less likely to be damaged by flooding, and they are also less noisy. 

Sump pumps are powered either by electricity or by batteries, and most models will have a backup power source in case of a power outage. It is important to remember that sump pumps need to be regularly maintained in order to work properly. This includes making sure that the pit is free of debris, checking the float switch (which activates the pump), and testing the pump regularly. 

Power Outages

Sump pumps are powered by either electricity or batteries. If there is a power outage and your sump pump is not connected to a backup power source, it will not be able to operate. This could lead to flooding in your basement or crawl space.

To avoid this problem, you need to make sure your sump pump is connected to a backup power source, such as a battery backup or a backup generator. A battery backup will kick in if there is a power outage and keep your sump pump running until the power comes back on. A generator will do the same thing but will also keep your lights on and your fridge running. Either way, having a backup power source for your sump pump is the best way to avoid problems during a power outage.

 

Failing Float Switches

A float switch is a device that tells the sump pump when to turn on and off. The float switch is typically located inside the sump pit, and it consists of a float (usually made of Styrofoam) that rests on top of the water. As the water level rises, the float rises with it and activates the switch, which turns on the pump. Once the water has been pumped out of the pit, the float lowers and deactivates the switch, causing the pump to turn off. 

The float switch is an important part of the sump pump because it prevents the pump from running continuously, which could damage both the pump and your home's electrical system. Additionally, if the float switch fails and the pump doesn't turn on when it's supposed to, you could experience flooding in your basement or crawl space. That's why it's so important to regularly inspect your float switch and replace it if there are any signs of damage. 

Clogged Impeller

Another possibility is that the impeller is clogged. The impeller is responsible for moving the water, and it can become clogged with debris such as mud, stones, or twigs. If the impeller becomes clogged, it will be unable to move the water, and the sump pump will not work properly. The good news is that this is an easy fix - simply remove the debris from the impeller, and your sump pump should start working again.

There are a few different ways that you can tell if your sump pump's impeller is clogged. One way is to listen for odd noises coming from the sump pump. If you hear banging, rattling, or humming noises coming from your sump pump, this could be a sign that the impeller is clogged. 

Another way to tell if the impeller is clogged is by feeling around the outside of the sump pump. If you notice that the exterior of the unit feels hot to the touch, this could be a sign that the motor is overworking due to a clog in the impeller. 

Finally, you can check the discharge pipe that runs from the sump pump to see if water is flowing through it properly. If you notice that water isn't flowing through the pipe or that the flow of water has decreased significantly, this could be a sign of a clogged impeller. 

 

Discharge Pipe

Another reason why your sump pump may not be working properly is that the discharge pipe may be blocked. The discharge pipe is responsible for carrying the water away from your home once it has been pumped out. If the discharge pipe becomes blocked, the water will have nowhere to go and will simply recirculate back into your home. You can solve this problem by unblocking the discharge pipe or by replacing it if it is damaged beyond repair.

Check On Your Sump Pump Today

If your house is not draining properly, it is likely due to a problem with your sump pump. A sump pump is a pump that is installed at the lowest point in your home in order to remove any water that has accumulated there. If you suspect that your sump pump is not working properly, there are a few things you can check yourself before calling a professional. First, check to see if the float switch is defective. Second, check to see if the impeller is clogged with debris. Third, check to see if the discharge pipe is blocked. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, call a professional plumber or handyman for assistance.

 

 Oak Plumbing was established to bring masterful plumbing to our community. We are experts at sump pump installation and drainage. Our highest values are providing sterling customer service and keeping your family safe. That is why we only employ licensed and background-checked experts. Between our professional employees and our commitment to our customers, there's a very good reason why most of our customers give us five-star reviews. Contact us to find your trusted professional plumber and special offers today.