Whether you’re building a new home or just doing some remodeling, plumbing is a crucial part of the job. You’ll need a system that delivers fresh water to your faucets and spigots and removes waste water and sewer gases.

Each drainpipe in a plumbing plan has a “water trap” (called P- or S-traps, although U-bends are sometimes used). The water trap keeps sewage and small animals from entering the house. Speak with Plumbing Express, Inc. for quality solutions.

The float switch is a small device that monitors the water level in your air conditioning system’s drain pan. It’s a buoyant component that moves up and down as the water levels rise and fall, triggering an electrical circuit to activate or deactivate the air conditioner’s motor when it gets too high. A faulty float switch can prevent your air conditioner from functioning properly or may cause it to overheat and break down.

When the float switch is working correctly, it should be able to move freely up and down without obstructed or hindered by debris or other obstructions. You can easily check the float switch visually by looking for any signs of damage or interference. If the float switch is not moving freely, it may be time to replace it.

There are a number of reasons why the float switch may not be functioning correctly, including:

Water inside the float switch: This is usually caused by a damaged or misaligned drain pan that does not collect and drain condensation properly. A professional HVAC technician can inspect the drain pan and repair or replace it as necessary.

Float switch design: The type of float switch you choose depends on the application and environment. Consider things like the float switch height and length, actuation position, and mounting style and design to ensure that it meets your requirements. Also, make sure that the float switch is sealed or encapsulated to protect it from water ingress and environmental contaminants.

Electrical issues: Loose connections, damage to the wiring, or electrical shorts can interfere with the float switch’s ability to send a signal to activate your sump pump. You can prevent these problems by maintaining the integrity of your plumbing components and performing regular maintenance.

If you’re not sure how to troubleshoot a faulty float switch, contact the manufacturer for guidance. Most manufacturers provide troubleshooting guides on their websites, so you can find the most common causes of float switch failure and get your problem fixed quickly. You can also call the company’s customer service department for assistance with your float switch.

Clean the Inlet Screen

Plumbing is the house’s circulatory system, running unseen under the floorboards and behind the walls, carrying water and sewage to and from fixtures throughout the home. Proper maintenance and occasional repairs can ensure that your house’s plumbing will function properly and protect your valuable possessions from water damage. Cleaning the inlet screen is an important step to maintaining a functioning sump pump. The screen can be cleaned with a toothbrush and soapy water or sprayed and scrubbed with vinegar.

Clean the Bottom of the Sump

Sump pumps are important pieces of equipment that protect your home from flood water and other water damage. They collect run off liquid from your house and the surrounding area, and pump it to a wastewater treatment plant to prevent contaminants from entering plumbing pipes. However, they are not invincible and will need to be properly maintained to function correctly. To keep your sump working effectively, you must regularly clean it.

Start by turning off the power to your sump pump and removing its cover. You can do this with a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the model you have. Keep a container or magnetic parts tray handy to catch the screws and other small parts you remove so that they don’t fall into your sump pit.

Once the pump is removed, you can start cleaning it. You’ll need to wear gloves, as there will be some nasty gunk and sludge that may build up over time. To help you get rid of this grime, a wet/dry shop vacuum can be a lifesaver. Then, you can use a plastic scraper to carefully remove any caked-on gunk that is stuck to your pump. Rinsing the pump off with your garden hose is also an effective way to wash away any remaining grime.

You should also make sure that your sump pump’s inlet screen is free of debris. This is typically located on the bottom of the pump and can be a filter-like component. You can clean the inlet screen with a brush and soapy water, making sure to scrub all areas and openings. Once you’ve cleaned the screen, be sure to rinse it well so that soap residue doesn’t clog it again.

While you’re cleaning, it is a good idea to inspect the discharge line as well. It’s important that this line can drain water quickly to avoid freezing during winter. Check for clogs or blockages and replace the line if necessary.

Once you’ve done a complete inspection and cleaned your sump pump, you can reconnect it to the discharge pipe and restore the power. Before you do, though, be sure to give the discharge line a good spray with your garden hose to ensure that no dirt or debris is left behind. You should also clean and disinfect the pump’s cover, as it will have collected a lot of germs over time. You can clean and disinfect it with bleach or vinegar, both of which are quick and easy to use.

Inspect the Discharge Line

Ideally, the discharge line should direct water as far away from the house as possible. If it does not, mud and debris may build up in the line, which can prevent the sump pump from properly functioning. It is a good idea to inspect the discharge line every time you mow the lawn, and clean it whenever necessary. Bryan also discusses measuring the temperature of the discharge line and explains why this can be important information to know about your system.