Is our sump pump dying?
#1
01-10-06, 11:48 AM
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Canada
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Is our sump pump dying?
Hi. I moved into my house about ten years ago, and because we are on sloped property, the downstairs closet has a sump pump in it. (I think it's called a pedestal pump.)
Lately it has been raining and raining and raining. In the past, when the sump pump kicked in, it would take about 40 seconds to empty the water. However, this winter, it is taking approx. 5 minutes to empty. Needless to say, it is now running almost continuously.
My question is: Since it is now taking so long to empty the water, does that mean the sump pump is dying? ....... or could it somehow just need cleaning?
Since the sump pump and bucket thingy are NOT underground, should I just buy a new one and put it in myself? However, I have absolutely no clue on how to do this and am wondering if it is a really really simple procedure?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Marie
Lately it has been raining and raining and raining. In the past, when the sump pump kicked in, it would take about 40 seconds to empty the water. However, this winter, it is taking approx. 5 minutes to empty. Needless to say, it is now running almost continuously.
My question is: Since it is now taking so long to empty the water, does that mean the sump pump is dying? ....... or could it somehow just need cleaning?
Since the sump pump and bucket thingy are NOT underground, should I just buy a new one and put it in myself? However, I have absolutely no clue on how to do this and am wondering if it is a really really simple procedure?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Marie
Last edited by Marie12345; 01-10-06 at 12:05 PM.
#2
01-10-06, 04:00 PM
like all things they do wear out in time. first, look for a float that is attached to a shaft going to the motor. it determines when the pump turns on and off. it should be about 2/3 the way up from the bottom or so. if it looks ok then disconnect the pump and pull it out of the sump. check the bottom for any clogs. to be 100 % sure, you could set it up in a five gallon bucket and test it. if you still have not solved the problem go get another pump and just drop it in and reconnect to the outlet. while you're at it see if the pump is connected to a gfci receptacle. set your float so that the pump turns on with the water level around five inches below the top of the sump and turns off leaving around two inches or so in the bottom of the sump. just my preffered settings, nothing official.
#3
01-14-06, 10:56 PM
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Canada
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Hi. Thanks for the reply.
Decided to go buy another sump since they don't cost a whole lot. I was surprised at how easy they are to install. The new pump only takes about 30 seconds to empty, whereas the old one was taking 5 to 7 minutes. However, it was getting old.
Thanks again. I really appreciated the reply.
Decided to go buy another sump since they don't cost a whole lot. I was surprised at how easy they are to install. The new pump only takes about 30 seconds to empty, whereas the old one was taking 5 to 7 minutes. However, it was getting old.
Thanks again. I really appreciated the reply.
