Sump Pump Monitor Informs you of a problem. Now What? Troubleshooting the Sump Pump.

Your Level Sense Sump Pump Monitor just texted you that there is a problem. That's helpful, but the pump wont fix itself. Here are the steps.

Our users are smart. you purchased a Level Sense product to monitor the Sump Pump - because you know the risks, and you can read a flow chart. So here is what you need to know in addition to the graphic:

1. Because our users are smart, they often overlook the simple stuff. Don't skip the step on checking the breaker, the GFCI, and making sure that there is power on the sump pump.  Don't do more work than necessary.
2. The sump pump float switch appears last on the diagram, but is one of the most common causes of sump pump problems. If your sump pump has the piggyback style connector, remove it and plug the sump pump directly into the wall. See if that fixes it. 
3. If its not the power, and even if the "piggyback test" solved the issue you will need to remove the lid. If you have a radon detection system and a sealed sump pump, don't let that stop you. Its only silicon. 
4. If you find the sump pump is cycling (or) the sump pump is hot, unplug it and remove the check valve. The entire device is generally nothing more than a rubber flap that allows water to flow only one direction. You can test it with pen - push the pen and the flap should open, remove it and it should close. If you reinstall it, be sure the flow arrow is the right direction.
5. If the water is hot, and it was recently below freezing, you probably have a frozen discharge pipe. Depending on the situation, it may be worth it to cut the PVC pipe outside and get he water out of the basement. Three bucks at the hardware store will get you a PVC sleeve to repair the pipe. The PVC glue will cost more than the part.
6. If the pump has an air bubble in it, its an easy fix. This gentleman does an outstanding job of explaining it on this video.
7. If the pump impeller is not moving, but you push it with a screwdriver and the pump starts - you have a blown starting capacitor. They can be replaced, but its less hassle to replace the sump pump. Very common.
8. If the sump pump is full of debris, you can clear it out. Remove the pipe from the discharge so its "just the sump pump" and drop it in a bucket of water outside with the hose in it - and stand clear. The pump may discharge water 10-20 feet in the air. I have a nice spot on my basement ceiling from it. Trust me. 
9. If the water is hot, and the sump pump is not working, its likely because the thermal overload tripped. The sump pump will work again when it cools down. Find the reason the sump pump overheated.
10. If you do remove the pump, and you have a Level Sense PRO, after the pump is replaced go into the Level-Sense website and Re-Initiate Calibration on the depth wire. This tells the Sump Pump Monitor that the wiring has been moved and it should take new readings.

Thanks for purchasing a Level Sense Sump Pump Monitor. Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know if we can add/update or change this information.