Sump pump doesn't pump after sump cleanup

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Hey guys, I'm totally lost on this one, I appreciate any help please. I have this house for four years now, my sump pump has never failed.

I wanted to add food coloring to my sump to try figuring out where the pumped water daylights (this thread here: Dye to trace where sump pump water goes), but I realized I needed to clean the sump first. So I ran to pump to get the water level in the sump as low as possible (it ran semi-dry for ~10 seconds or less), then I dried the rest of the water with a rag. Cleaned up the sump really good, took the pictures attached, added water to rinse, ran the pump again to dry the sump one last time. Then added water (and three bottles of maybe 1oz of food coloring). Then plugged the pump again, and the pump makes a noise/hum like it's pumping, but it doesn't **** any water!

Tried several times, added more water (thinking the pump was having trouble to prime), same thing.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate all the help.

PS.: Anyone recognized this pump?

 

[dfiler2]

Is that grey line holding the float down? Somewhere there will be a float switch to turn the pump on.

 

[BADSIX]

Did you try it with the water filled to above the pump. If its not high enough it will **** air with the water and lose its prime.
Jay D.

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Is that grey line holding the float down? Somewhere there will be a float switch to turn the pump on.

I was plugging the pump directly to the power outlet (by-passing the float switch), also connected through the float switch. Anyway, the pump motor runs, but it doesn't **** any water.

As I read the web, it looks like the pump got air-locked. Does it seam the case?

 

[brewchief]

Is there a small hole in the outlet pvc? The pumps instructions will normally have you drill one to prevent airlock.

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Is there a small hole in the outlet pvc? The pumps instructions will normally have you drill one to prevent airlock.

It never had a weep hole and it never failed to run (and runs frequently), under normal conditions. I'm suspecting that as I totally dried the sump pit the pump ingested air, so now weep whole could help - does it make sense?

Is there another way to prime the pump without drilling a weep hole?

 

[brewchief]

It never had a weep hole and it never failed to run (and runs frequently), under normal conditions. I'm suspecting that as I totally dried the sump pit the pump ingested air, so now weep whole could help - does it make sense?

Is there another way to prime the pump without drilling a weep hole?

If it has a check valve above it held on with a clamp try loosening the bottom one up and letting it breathe.

 

[DenisG]

You didn't mention if you had a check valve on the PVC discharge line. If you have one, you should check if it is functioning properly. If you don't have one, you might want to buy one and install it.

 

[duwem]

Rock stuck in the inlet?

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

If it has a check valve above it held on with a clamp try loosening the bottom one up and letting it breathe.

It does have a check valve. I'll try that tomorrow, thank you.

 

[firworks]

"Sump Pump Doesn't Pump after Sump Cleanup Slump"
Local Plumbers Hold Round the Clock Vigil. - Springfield Shopper

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ ^ That's funny right there !! . . . .

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Here's a (good) update:

I plugged it in this morning and it started pumping right way! It didn't need to drill or disconnect the discharge pipe.

Thank you to everyone that responded, much appreciated.

PS.: Anyone recognizes the pump in the pictures? Is it good? (it must be, I'd estimate it's there for 10+ years).

 

[DenisG]

Don't have one of those, but here's one that looks similar to yours:
http://www.sumppumpworld.com/hydromatic-d-a1-submersible-sump-pump-3-10-hp.html

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

Don't have one of those, but here's one that looks similar to yours:
http://www.sumppumpworld.com/hydromatic-d-a1-submersible-sump-pump-3-10-hp.html

DenisG, thanks a lot for your input, I think you nailed it. My pump looks similar to the Pentair Hydromatic D-A1 Submersible Sump Pump. It's probably an older model.