How to Repair a Flotec Sump Pump
Flotec is one of the most popular brands of sump pumps on the market. Sump pumps of all makes tend to suffer the same problems. A Flotec pump has three parts most likely to fail: the impeller, check valve and float switch. The impeller is responsible for pulling water toward the discharge pipe. Check valves stop pressurized, backflow of water as it heads toward the switched off pump. As the water level rises, a tethered float inside the sump basin rises. It triggers the switch to start the pump. The switch tends to need replacing regularly.
Inspect Each Valve
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Switch the sump pump on and wipe away any water on the discharge pipe. Wait for the water to travel up the pipe and through the check valves.
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Examine each valve for signs of leaking. Tighten the clamps surrounding any suspect valves. They may have loosened and sprung a leak.
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If, after tightening the valve clamps, there is still evidence of leakage, turn the pump off.
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Unscrew the clamps and remove the leaking valves.
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Look inside the valve, or put a finger inside, to feel for debris like grit and mud. It is left there by ground or surface water passing through.
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Wash the valve under a running faucet to flush the dirt away.
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Reattach the valve to the pipe with the couplings, to secure it.
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Switch the pump on again. If it is still leaking, change the valve for a new one.
Wash the Impeller
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Turn off the pump, disconnect the discharge pipe and remove it from the sump basin.
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Unscrew the pump base.
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Open the impeller chamber by removing the screws and take out the impeller. This small but important part of the pump will not work when it is clogged. It resembles a little propeller or fan, based in its own chamber, close to the base of the pump. Debris like small stones, hairs and fibers, get inside the chamber. The impeller cannot revolve and expel water, via the discharge pipe.
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Wash the impeller in clean water, preferably under a running faucet.
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Put the cleaned impeller back into its chamber. Tighten the screws.
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Reassemble the base of the pump, put the screws back in and tighten them.
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Re-submerge the pump into the sump basin and reconnect the discharge pipe.
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Switch the pump on and test to see if the water level subsides.
Change Float Switch
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Switch off the pump and remove the plug from the socket.
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Unscrew the float chamber at the top of the pump and remove the top.
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Make a note of the layout of the wires inside. You can then rewire the replacement more easily if you have it mapped out.
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Pull the wires away from their attachment and unscrew the existing switch.
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Put the replacement switch in the same place as the original and reconnect the wiring.
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Replace the top of the float chamber and tighten the screws.
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Return the pump to the basin, reattach the discharge pipe and switch the power back on to test it.
References
Tips
- Clean the sump pump basin on a regular basis.
- Keep your Flotec instruction manual in a convenient and easily accessible place.
- Keep it covered and free from debris.
- If you are experiencing loud noises in your sump pump system, change the check valves to "silent" valves. These will protect the pipe and pump against the force of water crashing against the valves, producing a "hammer" noise.
Warnings
- Make sure your hands are dry before touching the switch.
- Rubber Wellington boots are excellent protection against electric shock.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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