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    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 15, 2009, 01:31 AM
    Back up sump pump
    I've had a back up sump pump for about 1 year... a few days ago I heard a beeping and it was from the pump/battery... it has a red light on top and a green light that is flashing/beeping, what is that? Am I in trouble, lol? Is the back up on and if so how long will it run on battery alone? How do I fix it if something has to be done? So far no water has come in and I'm not a very skilled plumber, lol.

    Thanks, art
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 15, 2009, 02:57 AM

    Tell me more about your pump system set up...

    Do you have dual pump system ? Do you have control panel installed away from the pumps ? Is it "Sump Pump" or "Sewer Ejector" system ?

    Please, respond...
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 15, 2009, 10:01 AM

    To milo dolezal, no control panel, and it's a sump pump, as far as dual, don't think so.. it had a regular sump system when I bought the house many yrs ago, one pump on one end of basement and another on other end... last year I had basement remodeled and they said one is all I need, the other was for the toilet. So on this one they hooked up a battery and said not to worry anymore... now that I remember when it was installed it had this same beep and the guy pushed a button and it stopped... but what he pushed I don't know... does that help
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #4

    Feb 15, 2009, 10:05 AM

    Well it sounds like your backup system is sending you a signal, probably regarding a charging issue. However, you are OK for now because your electricity is not out right now, right? Not knowing what system you own tyr to read/find the owners manual or Google the brand names and try for a downloadable manual for instruction.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #5

    Feb 15, 2009, 10:06 AM

    Arthur a: Can you post a photo of the set up ?
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Feb 15, 2009, 10:26 AM

    Milo, went to check it out, the red light says check the circuit breaker, green light says battery is charging... the circiut panel does say "ejector" so I switched it off and back on and the beeping stopped and red light went off... it seems to be working and ejecting water (out as it should) since we have had a lot of rain/snow... thanks again, I like this forum.. really thanks, art
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Feb 15, 2009, 10:31 AM

    Milo and ballencerb1 were great help, thanks, art
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #8

    Feb 15, 2009, 11:07 AM

    Glad you were able to resolved the problem !
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Feb 16, 2009, 10:56 AM

    ballengerb1, guess what? Went down stairs just now and the beeping was on again along with the red light... again went to the circuit panel and turned it off/on and the beeping stopped... why would that happen? Will add that the green light that says charging stays on... can't find the model or type of system this is...
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #10

    Feb 16, 2009, 11:08 AM

    Is that pump pumping at all ? On sewer ejector systems, beeping red light indicates "water level too high / pump not switching on". Take hose , put it into the pit and turn water ON. Watch few cycles to see if pump switches ON and OFF as it should.
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #11

    Feb 16, 2009, 11:42 AM

    Milo, went back down and another red light came on and next to it saying this pump has been actived, check to see if your main pump is working and it's not... what now? Confused
    arthur a's Avatar
    arthur a Posts: 8, Reputation: 1
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    #12

    Feb 16, 2009, 12:00 PM

    It now has a long beep and it doesn't seem to be working and the water is high...
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #13

    Feb 16, 2009, 01:34 PM

    Ok, I assume the light is telling you that water level is TOO high. It is a warning signal.

    You may have clogged pump or float is tangled up in debris. As I said in previous post, put hose in the hole, turn water ON, and stay there to watch pump turn ON and OFF several times. Look for smooth operation. Take flash light with you and inspect the pit. See if clean. Pump should be standing / elevated on a brick so it is not directly on the bottom. You may want to use that hose to clean the pit and the pumps. You may, also, remove the pump, flip it over and clean it. Vacuum the bottom of the pit. Reinstall. Activate. Lastly, there may be an electrical problem, but this would be the last thing I would ask you to have inspected. Get back to me to let me know how you did...

    Lastly: can you post a photo or two of the pit and the pump?

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