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You Can’t Trust Atoms &#8211...

Low Current or Low Amperage Alert

You Can’t Trust Atoms - Because They Make Up Everything!If you get a low current or low amperage alert this means that your pump is not running full speed. When a pump runs slower than normal, it pulls lower amps or voltage- Amps and voltage is proportional to the flow rate. The Basement Defender™ reads this and sends an alert.
It might be running during the test but is being slowed due to something impeding its performance. This can be from a number of different reasons, but can only be determined by a pump inspection from a trained professional installer.
Possible reasons:

 

  1. AirLock- Airlock is when an air bubble is trapped in your discharge line and will not allow the pump to flow. It can even keep a check valve from opening. That is why your installer will drill tiny holes at certain points to allow air to escape. The hole could also be there but is clogged.
  2. Pump, discharge line, or impeller is clogged with mud, iron ochre, a rock, frozen line or something else blocking the flow.
  3. Check valve not functioning , sealed shut- sometimes check valves have been found to be glued or defective in some way.
  4. Mismatched pump for your system- too high a head (distance from the pump to the ceiling) or to long a line for the pump to push the water out.
For any of the above you need a trained professional to inspect your system and this alert should not be ignored.
Excessive Run Time Alert
This can mean several things and is an important alert to pay attention. It is triggered when your pump runs for 3 minutes straight, or running non stop. Be sure to check your sump pit that the water is going up and down in your pit. If it is raining heavily, it is doing its job dealing with the extra water- again depending on your home’s water table. See video below:

If the water is not going down you could potentially flood.


What this can mean:

  • Clogged or frozen discharge line
  • Stuck or faulty pump switch
  • Mismatched pump for your system- too high a head (distance from the pump to the ceiling) or to long a line for the pump to push the water out.
  • Recirculating discharge water- If you have 2 separate discharge lines that merge into one, if not installed properly the water recycles between the 2 pumps below the check valve, causing a restricted flow.
 
What you can do:

  • Check the sump pit
  • Be sure the float switch is not stuck in the ON position- burning up your pump
  • Check your discharge line if water is coming out.
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Roy Spencer - President of Basement Defender

Roy Spencer

Roy is a respected authority in the waterproofing industry, with over 40 years of experience under his belt. His company, Perma-Seal, has earned a reputation as Chicagoland’s premier waterproofing contractor, thanks to Roy’s unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

His latest innovation, the Basement Defender, is a testament to his dedication to providing homeowners with the best possible protection against basement flooding, representing a major leap forward in the industry’s efforts to prevent water damage and save homeowners from costly repairs.

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