Air Locked Sump Pump? 5 Quick Fixes You Need to Know!

Air Locked Sump Pump? 5 Quick Fixes You Need to Know!

An "air locked sump pump" is a common problem that prevents your pump from removing water efficiently, potentially leading to flooding in your basement or crawlspace. Air trapped inside the pump or discharge pipe obstructs the flow of water, rendering the pump ineffective. This article will guide you through five simple solutions to quickly resolve an air locked sump pump.

Understanding Air Locks

Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand how an air lock happens. Essentially, air becomes trapped within the sump pump system, creating a bubble that blocks the water from flowing. This commonly occurs after a period of inactivity or when the pump is initially installed. A small amount of air will bleed out automatically on properly installed sump pumps, but sometimes, additional measures are necessary.

Identifying an Air Locked Sump Pump

How do you know if your sump pump is air locked? Look for these telltale signs:

• The pump runs, but very little or no water is discharged.
• The pump makes unusual gurgling or sputtering noises.
• Water levels in the sump pit remain high even though the pump is running.
• The pump starts and stops frequently without effectively lowering the water level.

The 5 Quick Fixes

Here are five practical solutions to get your sump pump working again:

1. The Water Purge Method:

   This is often the first and simplest method to try. The goal is to introduce water into the system to force the trapped air out.

   How to Purge with Water:

   • Step 1: Turn off the Power: Always disconnect the sump pump from the electrical outlet before working on it for safety reasons.
   • Step 2: Locate the Discharge Pipe: This is the pipe that carries water away from the pump.
   • Step 3: Pour Water into the Sump Pit: Slowly pour water into the sump pit until the water level reaches the pump’s intake.
   • Step 4: Carefully Pour Water into the Discharge Pipe: Using a hose or pitcher, slowly pour water into the discharge pipe. This forces the air bubble towards the discharge point.
   • Step 5: Reconnect and Test: Plug the sump pump back in and observe if it’s now pumping water effectively. You may need to repeat the process.

2. Check Valve Inspection & Cleaning:

   A check valve prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. A malfunctioning or dirty check valve can contribute to air lock issues.

   Inspecting and Cleaning the Check Valve:

   • Step 1: Disconnect Power: As always, disconnect the sump pump.
   • Step 2: Locate the Check Valve: This valve is usually located on the discharge pipe, near the sump pump.
   • Step 3: Inspect for Debris: Remove the check valve and examine it for any obstructions, such as dirt, gravel, or other debris.
   • Step 4: Clean the Valve: Rinse the check valve thoroughly with water. If necessary, use a brush to scrub away stubborn deposits.
   • Step 5: Reinstall and Test: Reassemble the check valve and reconnect the sump pump to the power supply. Observe the pump’s operation.

3. Drill a Bleeder Hole:

   This is a more permanent solution that allows air to escape from the pump, preventing future air locks. Note: This can affect the pump’s pressure but is helpful in some situations.

   Creating a Bleeder Hole:

   • Step 1: Disconnect Power: Unplug the sump pump from the power outlet.
   • Step 2: Locate the Discharge Pipe Inside the Pit: Find the discharge pipe inside the sump pit, near where it connects to the pump.
   • Step 3: Drill a Small Hole: Using a small drill bit (approximately 1/8 inch), carefully drill a hole in the discharge pipe, just above the water line.
   • Step 4: Clean Up: Remove any plastic shavings from the drilling process.
   • Step 5: Reconnect and Test: Plug the sump pump back in. The small hole should allow trapped air to escape.

4. Adjust the Sump Pump Position:

   Sometimes, the position of the pump itself can contribute to air lock problems.

   Repositioning the Sump Pump:

   • Step 1: Disconnect Power: Unplug the sump pump from the electrical outlet.
   • Step 2: Check Pump Placement: Ensure the pump is sitting upright and stable in the sump pit. Make sure it’s not leaning against the side or resting on debris.
   • Step 3: Raise the Pump (If Necessary): If the pump is sitting too low in the pit, consider placing a brick or paver beneath it to raise it slightly. This can improve water flow and prevent air from getting trapped.
   • Step 4: Reconnect and Test: Plug the sump pump back in and observe its operation.

5. Replace the Sump Pump:

   If none of the previous solutions work, your sump pump might be failing or have internal damage that is causing the problem beyond a simple air lock. It may be time to consider a replacement.

   When to Replace:

   • The pump is old (typically 7-10 years or older).
   • The pump is making loud, grinding noises.
   • The motor is burning out.
   • The pump repeatedly fails to work, even after troubleshooting.

   Replacing a sump pump is a straightforward process. Be sure to choose a replacement pump with similar specifications and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Troubleshooting Table

Here’s a handy table summarizing the fixes and when to use them:

Fix	When to Use	Difficulty
Water Purge Method	First attempt; pump not pumping water.	Easy
Check Valve Inspection	Suspect blockage or malfunction; pump makes unusual noises.	Medium
Drill a Bleeder Hole	Recurring air lock issues; persistent air trapping.	Medium
Adjust Pump Position	Pump is leaning or unstable; low water flow.	Easy
Replace the Sump Pump	All other fixes fail; pump is old or damaged.	Hard

Hopefully, these tips help you say goodbye to that air locked sump pump! Let us know in the comments if you’ve got any other tricks up your sleeve for dealing with a gurgling, non-pumping sump pump.