Sump Pump Advice

[Whitespirit66]

I've been asked to have a look at the sump pump in the cellar of my local pub next week. I don't have any experience with these. Apparently, it's not working.

Are they something that I should attempt a repair, or is it normally a replacement job? If repairable, what are the normal faults with them after I've checked that it's receiving power?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Newboy]

Most common faults are:

1) fault with float mechanism
2) blocked inlet/impeller jammed
3) pump motor seized

Electrical testing usually ahead of plumbing issues

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Bear in mind these things are usually of the submersible type, so will be sealed against water ingress. If you do try and dismantle, then it needs to be ensured the thing is watertight once more on reassembly. I would suspect though, it has maybe come to the end of its useful life, and replacement is possibly a better option.

Depending on capacity, (and I shouldn't think it needs to move gallons of water per hour), they're not too expensive to buy. Screwfix do a Karcher model, which should be better quality than the cheaper offerings IMO. http://www.screwfix.com/p/karcher-sdp7000-320w-dirty-water-pump-240v/86936

 

[Whitespirit66]

Going to have a look tomorrow. Apparently, he can still hear the motor whirring, so maybe blocked/jammed impeller.

Thanks to all.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

If the motor is whirring but it's not pumping, then I'd say it's either blocked or the shaft has snapped, meaning no drive to the impeller. rather hope it was the former, somewhat easier to fix!