How to Troubleshoot Small Submersible Pumps

Submersible sump pumps move water from home basements to outside the home.

A sump pump is an electrical pump placed in a house basement that pumps water from the basement to outside the house. Sump pumps also sometimes drain water into a home's drainage system. A submersible pump goes into the sump pit where the water is and is not easily seen. Common problems you might encounter with submersible sump pumps are that they may not shut off, they might not discharge liquid or they might not not start.

Instructions

1. Check the float path and provide clearance if there is a remote float switch obstruction and the pump will not shut off. Shut the power off for about 1 minute and restart the pump if the pump is air-locked. Repeat several times to clear the pump of air. Drill a 3/16-inch hole in the discharge pipe about 2 inches above the discharge connections if the system includes a check valve.

2. Check the flow-indicating arrow, if your pump has one, on the check valve body to make sure it is properly installed. Do this if the pump works but does not discharge any liquid. Check for the proper supply voltage to make sure it corresponds to the voltage on the nameplate if the pump fails to deliver rated capacity.

3. Replace the fuse with one of proper size if your pump has a fuse that is blown and the pump will not run or start. Remove the obstruction if the float is obstructed. Clean out the impeller if the pump works but delivers little or no water. Check the size of the wiring from the main switch on the property if the voltage is under the recommended minimum. Contact your local hydro authority or power company if the voltage is OK.

References

• Sump Pump Help: What Is A Sump Pump?
• Jim Murray Inc.: Little Giant Big John Submersible Sump Pump Owner's Manual
• Pentair Water: Sta-Rite Submersible Sump Pumps Operation & Installation Instructions