A leaking sump pump can be a real problem when it comes to keeping your basement dry and free of molds, mildew and more. When you find a leak in your basement pump system it is important to move fast to find the leaky part and get it patched.
Sump pumps are expensive – if yours is leaking and you want to save a few bucks it is worth trying to repair it before buying a replacement. Start with these 3 steps to repair your pump and get it running again.
Fixing Your Sump Pump Leak - 3 Steps
Leak Repair Guide
- Find the source of the leak
- Determine if it can be plugged with glue or tape or totally replaced
- Disable the pump, apply fix and test
If your sump pump is leaking one of the first places to look is the hose. A leaking hose means that water is being dispersed, but not all of it is making it outside. During a period of intense rainfall, this could mean you have a lot of moisture in your home.
Permanent damage to the foundation of your home can occur if water is allowed to stand for too long or is dispersed throughout your basement.
Correct Installation and Replacement
It is important that pipes be checked for leaks at all points when a leak becomes apparent. Although it may be obvious where the main leak is, a single leak can be a sign of larger problems.
Replacing all your pipes and hoses when consulting a sump pump specialist may offer you the best value and make sure that no leaks are present anywhere in the system.
Cracked Sump Pumps
The bottom of a sump pump can become cracked over time. There are many different causes for such a problem, but any crack in your pump is a serious problem that requires calling a sump pump specialist for assistance.
If your sump pump is leaking oil then cracks can be the problem. It is possible that parts can be replaced rather than you having to purchase an entirely new pump. The only way to know for sure is to get your pump assessed.
Problems with Sump Pit
If a sump pit is not big enough, then water could be escaping into the basement of your home or business.
If your pump doesn’t seem to be able to keep water from overflowing out of your sump pit, then it is possible your home is experiencing more water underneath than in the past and needs a larger pump and or sump pit to deal with the additional moisture issues.
Hose Clamps
Your sump pump hose is likely attached with a clamp. If the clamp becomes damaged or loosened then, it could be the source of your leak.
Hoses can sometimes become damaged from clamps being too tight as well, especially if the hose has ever been pulled or jerked by accident.
Over time, a leak that wasn’t so noticeable can become much worse.
Know When To Get Help
Unless you are very experienced with sump pumps, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced professional when it comes to leaks. One leak may be much more complicated and time-consuming to fix then you might think.
Incorrectly installing pipes, clamps, or sump pump parts can lead to damaging more parts of your pump or even making a leak worse later on. A professional can get your system in good working order that will provide you with years of service.
When a problem occurs it is also important to consider if you are doing proper maintenance and if not, change your habits.