1/2 HP Everbilt submersible sump stirring but level stays same

[johnseeley]

My Mom has a 1/2 HP Everbilt MBA050BC submersible sump and I discovered the breaker to the sump had tripped. When I put the breaker on, the pump was buzzing/humming as if it was jammed. Now we had a dry spell here and the pump was inactive for 4-5 months which is probably why it seized, and it's old. I took the bottom off and worked the impeller and lubed it. Impeller condition looked good and the intake holes were clear. Started it up and it ran fine...Or I thought so..

It's running and stirring the water but the level is not going down. Weep hole is shooting strong. It smokes if kept on for over a minute. When I take the PVC pipe off from above the check valve and then run it, it gushes water about 18" high above the check valve. (check valve is good) But when I put the PVC pipe back on which is 5 feet vertical to a 90 and another 8 ft slight downhill to the sewer line, it stirs the water but the pit level does not go down. PVC pipe to the sewer line is clear.

Quit possibly the pump is weak and needs to be replaced? Or there's some sediment just inside the 4" sewer where it's connected (because the sump was inactive for a while)? I would think the force of the pump would push the sediment free. There's a very short series of hard pipes and elbows before it finally hits the 4" line and I don't have a snake. Any other suggestions? Thanks so much. Greatly appreciated!

 

[Reach4]

Try blowing with a vacuum cleaner, and see if the path seems blocked?

For a premium sump pump that can handle most jobs, I would consider
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Zoeller...ump-w-Vertical-Float-Switch-3-10-HP-115V-1-PH

If you need more head, you can find that. If you want to go cheaper, you can find that. But it is better to not have the sump sucked dry in 10 seconds.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[johnseeley]

Try blowing with a vacuum cleaner, and see if the path seems blocked?

Thanks. The PVC part is not blocked but I can't tell if inside the 4" sewer pipe has some buildup on the side. Good idea. I don't think my shop vac has a blower attachment or reverse. I can try a household vacuum. Does 18" of water gushing straight up out the check valve seem like the pump is running OK or should it go higher?

 

[Reach4]

I don't think my shop vac has a blower attachment or reverse.

Many shop vacs have two ports, and the exhaust port can accept the hose that usually goes into the input port.

 

[johnseeley]

Many shop vacs have two ports, and the exhaust port can accept the hose that usually goes into the input port.

Thank you. I'll buy another sump on my way to my Mom's and try clearing the line first. If I don't need the new sump, I can always return it. Of course it's raining all night tonight. lol Thanks again.

 

[johnseeley]

The path was clear. I replaced the sump and it's working again. Quite possibly the impeller was slipping under load. Who knows. I think it was about 10 years old.

I picked up another Everbilt with the vertical float this time (instead of my previous tether style) and got it home and didn't like the quality of the float which is perfectly aligned with one of the housing screws where it gets snagged! Terrible design. And on the way down, the float hits the PVC attachment area. Took it back and got a Ridgid. Much better float design but the range is much smaller than my previous tether style. Don't understand why they say the pit must be 22-24" deep when it lowers the water level only 4-5". lol. Anyway the Ridgid seems like a solid unit.