If your Castle Rock sump pump is losing ground, cut its power safely, check whether the float is stuck and look at the outdoor end of the discharge line. Most failures come from a bad switch, a leaking check valve, a tripped circuit or a worn motor. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Castle Rock.
About Castle Rock
Castle Rock is the Douglas County seat and a large, growing town, so many basements hold a pump the builder installed in a new subdivision. Castle Rock Water, the town-owned utility, supplies drinking water. Some areas with Castle Rock mailing addresses, such as The Village at Castle Pines, are served by other districts, so check your bill. Wherever your wastewater goes, sump water should end outdoors rather than in a drain.
Steps to take now
- Shut off power at the panel if water is anywhere near the outlet or cord.
- Free the float. A float that rubs the basin wall or catches on the cord is the most common reason a pump will not start.
- Check the outdoor outlet. Snow, ice, mulch or a crushed extension can block the line.
- Restore power and watch a cycle. If water rushes back into the pit at shutoff, the check valve has failed.
- Protect your things. Move boxes and electronics off the floor.
- Call a plumber if the pump hums, overheats or still will not run.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No sound, water in the pit | No power, stuck float or failed switch |
| Humming, no water moving | Jammed impeller or failed motor |
| Runs for a few seconds at a time | Float range too tight or check valve leaking |
| Runs in dry weather | Water draining back from the pipe, or a supply leak |
| Ice at the outlet in winter | Discharge pipe holding water and freezing |
What drives the cost
- Repairing a part versus replacing the pump
- Pump capacity and construction
- Extending the discharge so it drains away from the house
- Battery backup or high-water alarm
- Backflow protection if you choose a water-powered backup
Castle Rock Water's backflow program requires annual testing for businesses, nonresidential irrigation and certain fire suppression systems, and only testers registered with the town may test. Residential requirements for a water-powered sump backup were not spelled out, so ask the plumber to confirm with Castle Rock Water. For permits, the plumber can check with the Town of Castle Rock building department if new piping is involved.
Sump Pumps questions in Castle Rock
What should I do if the sump pit is overflowing right now?
What keeps a sump discharge line from freezing in a Colorado winter?
How many years does a sump pump usually last?
Does a water-powered backup pump need a backflow assembly?
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