Sump Pump Self Diagnostics

What happens if my sump pump isn’t working properly?

Drycrete Waterproofing uses sump pumps that are built to last. Our belief in our pumps is backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, as with anything mechanical, there is a chance that wear, and tear or improper maintenance can lead to partial or complete failure of the system over time.

When this happens Drycrete can send a tech out to your home to replace the malfunctioning component. If you are within your 5-year manufacturer’s warranty then the replacement part will be free of charge, however, there is a charge associated with mobilizing a tech to service your pump.
*Issues related to iron ochre are not covered under manufacturer’s warranty*

Can I do anything to address the situation myself?

Absolutely! In many instances issues with your sump pump have simple solutions and you can avoid the service charge all together. Watch the video below or follow the written instructions to run through the self-diagnostic process:

If your pump is not working at all:

1. Check to see if your pump is plugged in.

You’d be surprised how many times this is the culprit. If you have a dual pump battery backup skip to step 4

2. Ensure the outlet has power.

Do you have a GFCI outlet (pictured above)? Press the reset button to see if the outlet was tripped.

A GFCI outlet is designed to protect against electrical shock. If a device plugged into the outlet is on and off that usually indicates that something is wrong with the device. During a storm a sump pump cycles on and off and can mistakenly trip the GFCI outlet, cutting power to the pump.

3. Check to see if a circuit has tripped in your electrical panel.

If you don’t have a GFCI outlet or pressing the reset button doesn’t work, then check your electrical panel. Look for switches that are in the off position or in a position that is different than the others.

4. Bypass the float switch piggyback.

Separate the pump plug (smaller) from the float switch plug and plug that in directly.

If the pump turns on, then it’s a bad float switch sensor and we need to come out and replace it. Give us a call ASAP.

This will also give you the ability to pump out any water that’s collecting in the container. Having the pump plugged directly into power will cause the pump to continuously run. You will need to unplug it when the water is all pumped out to avoid dry pumping and plug it back in as more water collects.

Check your float switch for obstructions

This can be a solution for a pump that is not turning on at all or running continuously and should be included in your self-diagnostic process.

Remove the two bolts located at the front of your sump pump container. Then remove front half of lid to gain access to your pump.

Check to make sure your float switch is free of obstructions. If your pump is not running, ensure that your switch can rise all the way to the top. If your pump is continuously running, ensure that the switch can move all the way down into the off position.

Activating your SmartShield Wi-Fi connected backup system

Step 1:

Download and Install the Smart Shield App from the App Store or Google Play, depending on your device.

Step 2:

Open the app and create a new Smart Shield Account.

Step 3:

Make sure the Smart Shield System is in WiFi Setup Mode.

Step 4:

Connect to the Smart Shield System

Step 5:

Enter your Wi-Fi Network Credentials

Open the Smart Shield app.
The Pump Spy app will ask your permission to send you notifications. Click OK.
Select your WiFi network from the list of available networks.
Enter the password for the selected WiFi network and press Done.
The Wi-Fi LED will turn red for several seconds, then green once successfully connected to Pump Spy servers. If it stays red after 60 seconds, start over. (Make sure you enter the correct Wi-Fi password!)
A Success message will be displayed once connected. Press OK.
Continue the setup process on the app by entering the location of the Pump Spy Backup System.

Step 6:

Enter Alert Contacts.

Adding Your Device Manually

If you are having issues with setting up your Smart Shield device via the app, you can manually set up the device. This process works on all Apple and Android devices.

On your Apple/Android device, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Smart Shield device’s Wi-Fi network.
If your device warns you that there is no internet connection available, that is normal. Stay connected to the Smart Shield Wi-Fi network.
Some Android devices will request that you sign in to the Smart Shield network. In this event, click the sign in notification. When you reach the Smart Shield Provisioning page, select options (3 dots) at upper right, then select “Use this network as is” (Fig. 1)
Once successfully connected, open a web browser on your Apple/Android device
Enter the following address: 10.10.115.1/config/scan_page_outer.html (Fig. 2)
Select your Wi-Fi network from the displayed list of available networks
Enter your network password
The screen will go dark and a message will be displayed. Close your browser.
Your Smart Shield devices Wi-Fi indicator will turn red for several seconds, then green once successfully connected to Smart Shield servers. If it stays red after 60 seconds, start over.

(Make sure you enter the correct Wi-Fi password!)

Need help with your pump?

If none of these self-diagnostic solutions help or for issues unrelated to what you see above get in contact with us at the link below.

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youchao 5 months ago

Drycrete did a great job fixing the leak, the technician came in time and explained things very clear and easy to understand. Answered all my questions after job is done. Highly recommended and their price is very reasonable as well compare to other quotes I got.

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Debbie Medvinsky 5 months ago

My husband and I will be Drycrete customers for life. Can’t say enough how much we appreciate Drycrete and specifically the owner, Jason. It’s not often that you find someone who takes such personal care in their clients’ experience and repeatedly goes the extra mile to see that a job is done right and to the client’s satisfaction, and that is exactly what Jason has done for us.

Our house happens to be situated on a very high water table which means that we have a very active sump pump. Jason and his team helped ensure that we have the most effective pump configuration to ensure that we’re keeping the finished basement dry.

The team at Drycrete has been fantastic to work with and as we all know, it always starts at the top. Jason was personally involved in every step of the process, from the initial installation to follow up visits to adjust the float levels as necessary to find the right pumping frequency and has been incredibly responsive and helpful the entire time.

We thank Jason and the entire Drycrete team for their help in giving us the peace of mind that we have a dry basement thanks to the best pumping solution possible for our home.

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Tess 5 months ago

Drycrete installed a complete waterproofing system in my basement, replaced the bulkhead and installed new window wells. HIGHLY professional and SUPERIOR work!! I am very impressed with their professionalism and work ethic. Thank you VERY MUCH Alex, Carlos, Sean, Mario, Mike and Brian. Forever grateful!

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Felicia Captain 5 months ago

Great experience with Drycrete! Super knowledgeable and were able to help me with a very unique situation. Strongly recommend!

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Julie C 5 months ago

Steve very cleverly diagnosed a dehumidifier that wasn't working (fan running so it seemed to be working) versus quoting us a very expensive solution as another company had done. Very much appreciated!! Max did a quick, clean, efficient, friendly install of a new dehumidifier two days later.

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ted janas 5 months ago

Drycrete is fantastic!!
They did exactly what they said they would do in a professional and timely manner. What more could you ask for?
The guys were great and they did a fantastic job waterproofing our 12,000 sq ft basement. They sealed cracks and installed dehumidifiers.
This is a great company from the first phone call all the way through. Don't hesitate to contact them.

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Ellyn Penn 6 months ago

I couldn’t be more satisfied with Drycrete! In March of 2020, 2 days before the world stopped, Drycrete came to my house to fix the water problem that I have had in my home for the last 20 years! Every large storm, I would have water in my basement, leaving me in knee high boots and wet vacs cleaning up the disaster , replacing carpets and repairing walls. After the most recent storm, I reached out to make sure that my pump was still good because I smelled an odor that I couldn’t identify. They sent someone right out, checked the entire system and put me on an annual check from now on! I could not be more pleased with DRYCRETE . Instead of being terrified of rainstorms, I am confident that my house will be safe and dry.

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Lisa DiPaola 6 months ago

Gian and Max were a pleasure! Great service and super sweet people!!

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Katie McLean 6 months ago

From start to finish, Drycrete was amazing! Their customer service is fantastic. The team of 7 that did our basement could not have been nicer or worked harder. They finished in one day instead of 2, and the final outcome was amazing! We couldn’t recommend Drycrete more!

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Lisa Hall 6 months ago

Great customer service! They were very efficient and did a great job installing the pump.

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Evan Schwartz 6 months ago

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Lee Simonds 6 months ago

Great service and product.

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Owen Mael 6 months ago

Great company and work. I used them a few years ago and when it was time to expand my system, I immediately called them. Team was efficient and clean.

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Susannah Hatch 6 months ago

They did a great job! Very professional and a delight to work with.

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Leandra Eich 6 months ago

My review isn't much different from anyone else's - these people are consummate professionals who are very, very good at what they do. They did an entire basement dig-out for my customers - we gained 18" of ceiling height and it transformed the space. For such a large, seemingly complex job, they made it look easy (even though I KNOW it was not!) and with so few hiccups. I would use them again in a heartbeat.

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Kevin Cimo 6 months ago

Fantastic experience. They're extremely knowledgeable and confident in their work. I got a handful of quotes from other companies large and small, they were the best at assessing and explaining everything, and pricing was actually the most reasonable as well. Would use them again in a heartbeat.

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Joe Morocco 6 months ago

it was a very positive rewarding experience working with this company. I would recommend anybody to use them

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Marie Lindholm 6 months ago

Gian arrived promptly. Very knowledgeable and courteous. Explained what he was going to be doing & promptly went to work. Upon finishing, he showed me the work he performed and explained the operation of the pumps and set me up with the application. Very happy with his work and he answered whatever questions I had. I would be happy to recommend Drycrete to anyone who should need water mitigation. Gian is a great asset to your company.

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Laura Zollner 6 months ago

I was very pleased with the project we had completed by Drycrete Waterproofing! Everything from the estimate, to the professionalism of the workers, to the meticulous cleaning they did after they installed our sump pump exceeded my high expectations. I would definitely recommend!

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J Long 7 months ago

Technicians arrived ahead of time. They were done replacing both sump pumps under an hour. Quality workmanship by a great company. I have been using Jason @ Drycrete since 2015. They are the go to people to keep your basement dry.

J.Long 5/24

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Jeremy Ashcraft 7 months ago

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R Cotter 7 months ago

The Drycrete Team worked very quickly and did a very professional job on the french drain and sump pump installation along with a drain off in our yard. They cleaned up afterwards and left the yard and cellar clean. I’m unable to comment on functionality until we experience unusual rainfall, though my assumption is that it should work fine!

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Marie Lindholm 7 months ago

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Donna Oka 7 months ago

Very impressed with the quality of work! Would highly recommend !!

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