Why Won’t My Sump Pump Work?

Many things can cause your sump pump to fail. The most common causes of sump pump failure are debris buildup, blockages, a floating switch failure, and clogged or frozen discharge lines. 

• Debris/Sediment Build Up 

Because your sump pump receives all of the water that gets into your property, as well as the debris that it contains, it can quickly become clogged with a buildup of sediment and other debris. Many sump pumps have covers for the sump pit to minimize the debris that can enter, but even still, this buildup can cause a blockage. 

In many cases, sump pump malfunction caused by sediment or debris buildup can be resolved by removing the debris and cleaning out the system. This is the best-case scenario when it comes to sump pump problems, and it is fairly easy to prevent it from happening again by scheduling regular maintenance. 

• Mechanical Malfunctions and Damage 

The worst-case scenario is a mechanical malfunction or breakdown. One example of this would be the floating switch becoming jammed or no longer responding to changes in water level. This can be caused by it being tangled in debris, but these switches are also notoriously prone to malfunction and damage as they get older. 

If this kind of issue is the cause of your non-functioning sump pump, you will need to book a professional repair, as there is a high likelihood that you will need to have parts of the pump replaced. This is a straightforward and relatively easy task for a professional, but it is not one that you should attempt alone. If you cause more damage, you may have to replace the whole pump!