My Sump Pump Valve Is Sticking

Disconnect power to your sump pump at the outlet or breaker.

Inspect the valve and make sure the arrow is pointed up toward the discharge pipe and not at the pump. The arrow indicates the direction of water flow. If it is pointing in the wrong direction, the valve will not work properly.

Use a length of wire or a straightened hanger to gently hook the bottom of the check valve.

Push gently on the flapper. It should swing upward on its hinge, which is located at the top of the flapper. If it does not swing upward, there may be solids behind the flap that are holding it closed, or the hinges on the flapper may be damaged and preventing it from opening and closing properly.

Drain the sump pump basin of as much water as you can and clear the area around it if the valve is stuck closed. When you remove the check valve from the drainpipe, some water may spill out so make sure nothing of value is nearby.

Loosen the clamps located on either side of the check valve and pull the valve from the discharge pipe. Some check valves resemble a PVC coupling and do not use clamps to secure the valve to the pipe. If this is the case with yours, cut the discharge pipe above and below the check valve with a hand saw or PVC cutters to remove the valve.

Inspect all parts of the check valve to make sure the valve arm and the flapper inside are in good condition. If you have a spring-loaded valve, inspect the condition of the spring as well. If the valve parts are damaged in any way or the spring is corroded, replace the entire check valve.

Rinse the check valve under warm water to clear away solids and debris that may be holding the flapper closed. If the valve is still in good condition, reattach it to the discharge pipe and restore power to your pump.