Sump Pump Repair Guide

Sump pumps typically work for years without a glich, and we can forget they are there until a problem occurs. Whan a problem occurs, it is usually easy to identify and repair the problem if you have a little knowledge.

Overall Warnings:

Always unplug a sump pump before performing any repairs or cleaning on it.
If the floor is wet, wear rubber soled shoes or boots before unplugging the sump pump.
Make sure the sump pump is on its own grounded 15 Amp circuit.
Make sure that the sump pump plug's grounding prong is intact.

Sump Pump Repair and Diagnostic Chart

Problem/Symptom

Possible Cause

Solutions

Pump will not turn on or run	Blown fuse or tripped breaker	Replace fuse or reset breaker
	Sump pump float is obstructed	Remove any debris or reset sump pump until float can move freely.
	Faulty GFCI receptacle	Test GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacle.
	Damaged cord or poor connection	Tighten connections or replace damaged cord
Sump pump trips breaker or blows fuse	Defective float switch	Test and replace the float switch.
	Bound or damaged impeller	Remove housing and remove any debris that is blocking the impeller, replace impeller or sump pump if impeller is damaged.
Sump pump does not deliver water	Check valve faulty or installed backwards	Replace or reverse the check valve
	Other appliances on circuit	Rewire to give sump pump its own circuit
	Defective motor or switch	Contact factory or dealer for repair or replacement
	Outlet pipe too small	Increase the size of the outlet pipe to at least the size of the discharge opening
	Plugged impeller or screen	Remove pump and clean impeller and screen