Sump pumps are essential to keeping your home safe from flooding, but did you know that they can also be a fire hazard? If your sump pump is not maintained correctly, it could overheat and start a fire.
In 2020, around 1.38 million fire incidents took place in the United States. The number of reported fires in the country has increased from 1.29 million last year, according to data from the Statista Research Department.
To avoid the fire hazard, knowing the causes and how to maintain your sump pump properly is important. This blog post will explain the leading causes of fires related to sump pumps and how you can prevent them.
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Common Causes of Fire
Here are the most common causes of fires related to sump pumps:
1. Overheating
The most common cause of a sump pump fire is overheating. The pump motor can overheat if it is working too hard or is not properly ventilated. If your pump runs constantly, it may be time to upgrade to a larger model. You should also check the vents on your pump to ensure they are not blocked by dirt or debris.
2. Stuck Float Switch
Sump pumps are usually electrically powered and rely on a float switch to turn on and off. The float switch is activated by the rising water level in the sump pit and turns the pump on to remove the water. If the float switch gets stuck in the “on” position, the pump will continue to run even when no water is pumped. This can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire.
3. Electrical Shorts
Another cause of fires is electrical shorts. If the wiring on your sump pump is damaged, it could create a short circuit that could ignite any flammable materials nearby. Inspect the wiring on your pump regularly and replace any damaged parts immediately.
4. Lack of Lubrication
If the moving parts on your sump pump are not properly lubricated, they can generate a lot of heat. This can lead to a fire if the heat is not dissipated quickly enough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly lubricating your sump pump.
5. Improperly Sized Pump
If your sump pump is too small for the job, it will have to work harder and run longer to remove the water from your basement. This can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire. Make sure you choose a pump that is sized appropriately for your home.
6. Wrong Power Source
Another cause of fires is using the wrong power source for your sump pump. If you use an extension cord to power your pump, ensure it is the right size and type for the job. Using a cord that is too small can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire.
7. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Pipes
If the discharge pipes for your sump pump are clogged or frozen, the water will back up into the sump pit. This can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire. Be sure to clear any debris from the discharge pipe and keep it clear of snow and ice in the winter.
How to Prevent Fires
Now that you know the common causes of fires related to sump pumps, here are some tips on how to prevent them:
1. Inspect your sump pump regularly.
Prevention is always better than cure. However, inspecting your sump pump regularly can help you identify potential problems before they cause a fire. For example, check the vents on your pump to ensure they are not blocked and check the wiring for any damage.
2. Choose the right size pump.
As we mentioned earlier, using a too-small pump for the job can cause it to overheat and start a fire. So be sure to choose a pump sized appropriately for your home.
3. Use the proper power source.
If you use an extension cord to power your sump pump, ensure it is the right size and type for the job. Using a cord that is too small can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire.
4. Keep the discharge pipe clear.
If the discharge pipe for your sump pump is clogged or frozen, the water will back up into the sump pit. This can cause the pump to overheat and start a fire. Be sure to clear any debris from the discharge pipe and keep it clear of snow and ice in the winter.
5. Don’t forget about maintenance.
Properly maintaining your sump pump can help prevent fires. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly lubricating your sump pump. This will help keep the moving parts working smoothly and prevent them from generating too much heat.
6. Keep the pump area clean and free of debris.
Another way to prevent fires is to keep the area around your sump pump clean and debris-free. This will help ensure that the pump can ventilate properly and prevent it from overloading the circuit.
7. Test your smoke alarms.
Last but not least, be sure to test your smoke alarms regularly. This will help ensure that they are working properly and will give you ample warning if a fire does start.
Following these tips can help prevent fires related to sump pumps and keep your home safe.
Final Words
Sump pumps are vital to keeping your basement dry and free of water damage. However, they can also be a fire hazard if not properly maintained. Inspect your sump pump regularly and follow the tips above to help prevent fires.
It’s always better to know how to use your fire extinguisher before you actually find that you need to use it! This video will give you the basics you would need to know.
3,500 civilians died due to fires in the United States in 2020. This is a reduction from the previous year when fires in the United States caused 3,704 civilian fatalities.
There are many things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire in your home, including:
- Inspecting your sump pump regularly
- Choosing the right size pump for your home
- Using the proper power source for your pump
- Keeping the discharge pipe clear
- Maintaining your sump pump properly
- Keeping the area around your sump pump clean and free of debris
- Testing your smoke alarms regularly.
We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
