Sump Pump Blues

​When I went to pick up a radon computer from a home inspection, the realtor explained to me that she had met the water company at the address to determine if the water draining into the sump pump pit was from a leak in the water main. It was determined that it was not the water main but instead a stuck float on the sump pump as well as a leaking discharge pipe. This was causing the constant flow of water. When the float was freed the pump shut off and the back-flow of water stopped.
 
I removed the metal cover from the pit to check the pumps condition and the pump was off. I lifted the float and the pump turned on with water again flowing into the pit. I pulled on the discharge pipe and pump came loose from its connection under the garage floor. This is an incorrect connection because the discharge pipe should be sealed into the floor to prevent the back flow of water. The back-flow of water is also an indication that there may be a clog or a restriction in the discharge pipe which is causing the back-flow of water into the pit.
 
A further evaluation of this condition by a licensed plumber who can conduct a video camera inspection of the drain pipe will be required to determine if a clog or restriction exists. If none is found, then the pumps PVC discharge pipe must be sealed into the discharge pipe under the garage floor so that a back-flow does not occur. If a clog or restriction is found it must be corrected and the pumps PVC discharge pipe must be sealed into the drain pipe under the basement floor.