Dealing with sump pump issues? Sump pumps are common in the Warren, MI area, helping homeowners keep their basements safe from flooding. However, a sump pump can only protect your home if it drains properly — if your sump pump stops working, it can quickly cause damage to your home.
Read on for info on sump pump maintenance tips, types of sump pumps, and where to get help with drainage issues in Warren, MI.
Why Sump Pumps and Drainage Matter in Warren, MI
Warren tends to have wet, rainy seasons throughout the year, with the heaviest rains coming in late spring. Your sump pump is essential for redirecting water away from your home during heavy rainfall. A functioning sump pump prevents basement flooding, protects the integrity of your foundation, and reduces the hazardous health risk of mold and mildew growth.
Common causes of drainage issues in Michigan homes
There are several possible reasons for sump pump drainage problems. Excessive rainfall and flooding can overwhelm your pump, meaning it can’t handle the volume of water quickly enough to drain. This is made worse if your property has poor soil drainage, which leads to more water entering the system.
Another common drainage problem in Michigan is a clogged or broken drainage system. Growing tree roots damaging the discharge line, or by dirt, debris, or leaves clogging it over time can all lead to a clogged and broken drainage system.
Understanding Sump Pumps: Types and How They Work
Sump pumps are installed in a ‘sump pit’ in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace. They’re activated by a float switch that is triggered when it detects the pit filling with water. Once the pump is engaged, it will turn on automatically and pump water out of the pit and away from the home via the discharge line.
There are a few kinds of sump pumps:
- Submersible Sump Pumps: This pump type is installed directly in the sump pit and is designed to work while submerged in water. They’re quieter than pedestal pumps, but they need power to work and are more expensive than other options.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps: This pump type is placed above the sump pit. They are less expensive than submersible sump pumps and they’re quite easy to repair, but they are also louder and can overheat more easily.
- Battery-Powered Sump Pumps: These secondary pumps are designed for use during a power outage. They’re typically used as a backup for a primary pump.
- Water-Powered Sump Pumps: Water-powered pumps are another great backup option that uses the vacuum power of your home’s water pressure to reliably operate without electricity.
Common Sump Pump Issues and How to Fix Them
How do you know when your sump pump needs repairs or replacement? There are a few common signs:
- Pump running constantly
- Strange noises coming from the unit
- Water not being discharged properly
- Unit won’t turn on
- Constant vibrations from the unit
- Visible rust
- No water in sump pit
DIY troubleshooting tips for sump pump problems
While you should always leave major sump pump repairs and installations to an expert, some sump pip issues can be fixed without professional help. Here are a few plumber tips for sump pump DIY repairs:
- Reset the sump pump by disconnecting the power, removing the pump from its basin, cleaning any debris out of the pump, checking for visual damage, and then returning it to the basin or pit and powering it on again.
- Confirm that the outlet powering your sump pump is working to rule out power supply problems.
- Test the float switch by filling the sump pit with water and seeing if the pump activates.
- Clear your sump pump discharge line with a plumbing snake.
When to call a professional plumber for sump pump issues
If the above steps don’t resolve your issue, we suggest calling an expert. Hoover Electric, Plumbing and Heating offers some of the most trusted Warren, MI sump pump repair services, and can help address even the most perplexing pump problems, such as:
- Persistent flooding despite a working pump.
- Your sump pump failed to turn on despite having power.
- Overflowing sump pit and drainage backups.
Not sure if you can afford repairs or a replacement? We offer free estimates and competitive financing options, so you don’t have to sacrifice just to have a home that functions as it should.
Drainage Problems in Warren, MI and How to Solve Them
Drainage issues put excess strain on your sump pump. One common drainage problem is standing water in your yard, which is caused by compacted soil, improper land grading and sloping, or improper installation of landscaping features. If you’re dealing with standing water, you may need a yard drainage system.
Best drainage solutions for Warren, MI homes
As your Warren, MI drainage repair pros, we can help find the right drainage solution for your needs. Depending on what we find during our visit, we may recommend installing French drains, re-grading and sloping the yard, or installing downspout extensions from your eavestroughs. These can all help reduce standing water in your yard.
How to prevent basement flooding in Michigan’s wet seasons
To avoid the stress of a flooded basement, we suggest investing in proper basement waterproofing, regularly checking and maintaining your sump pump, and keeping up with proper gutter and downspout maintenance.
Maintenance Tips for Sump Pumps and Drainage Systems
Maintaining your sump pump is an essential part of protecting your home from those Michigan rains. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your unit running effectively:
- Test your sump pump every 3 to 4 months by opening and cleaning the inlet screen and checking all power cords and connections for damage.
- Remove the entire sump pump and clean the pit thoroughly once per year.
- Regularly check your battery-powered backup system to ensure it will work when needed.
- Ask a professional for help with preventing sump pump freezing.
How to maintain your home’s drainage system
Support your home’s drainage system by keeping all drains free of leaves and debris, regularly inspecting and cleaning your home’s gutters and downspouts, and ensuring your landscape has the proper slope to redirect water away from your home.
Protect Your Home with Hoover Electric, Plumbing and Heating
We understand how important a functioning sump pump is for Warren homeowners. That’s why we make it easy for our customers to get the repairs they need, ensuring quick service and careful work at every step of the way. We help you address sump pump and drainage problems as quickly and affordably as possible, resolving your issue and protecting your home for the future.
For the best sump pump repair in Warren, MI, schedule a service with Hoover Electric, Plumbing and Heating today!
