My Sump Pump Is Not Working
Flotec Sump Pump Won’t Start or Run
| Sump Pump is not plugged in. | Make sure sump pump is plugged into a proper outlet. |
| Blown fuse. | Replace the fuse with a fuse of proper size. |
| Low line voltage. | Check the size of the wiring on the circuit feeding the pump and from the main switch on the property. If everything is OK, contact your power company or hydro authority. |
| Defective motor. | Replace the sump pump. |
| Defective float switch. | Replace the float switch. |
| Clogged or jammed Impeller. | If the impeller won’t turn, unplug the pump, remove the lower pump body, and locate the source of the binding. Replace the impeller if necessary. |
Flotec Sump Pump Starts and Stops Too Often
| Backflow of water from piping. | Install or replace the check valve. |
| Faulty switch. | Replace the switch. |
Flotec Sump Pump Won’t Shut Off
| Defective switch. | Replace the switch, after first checking that switch is functional. |
| Restricted discharge (obstacle or ice in the piping). |
Unplug the pump, remove it from the sump, and clean the pump and piping. |
| Restricted intake screen. | Unplug the pump, remove it from the sump, and clean the intake screen and impeller. |
Flotec Sump Pump Operates-Delivers Little to No Water
| Low line voltage. | If the voltage is below 110 volts, check the size of the wiring from the main switch on the property. If OK, contact your power company or hydro authority. |
| Debris caught in the impeller. | Remove the pump and clean out the impeller. |
| Worn or defective parts or plugged impeller. |
Clean the impeller if it’s plugged; replace the impeller if necessary; otherwise replace the pump. |
| Restricted intake screen. | Remove the pump and clean out the intake screen. |
| Check valve is installed either backward or upside down. |
Be sure the check valve is installed correctly (the flow arrow should point away from the pump). |
2 thoughts on “Sump Pump Troubleshooting Tips”
The instructions you posted for checking the float component in my sump pump are really good to know. I think it’s interesting that the best way to fill the basin with water is by using a water hose. I’ll make sure to use my garden hose instead of something else to fill enough buckets to fill the basin enough to move the float. Thanks for the tips!
Judy. Thank you for your comment about sump pumps. Many people forget the sump pump is the heart of a basement waterproofing or crawl space waterproofing system. Proper sump pump maintenance is critical along with a great dehumidifier.