Your sump pump is an integral component of your home’s plumbing system. It helps keep your basement dry by collecting excess water and diverting it away from the house.
However, a malfunctioning sump pump can be costly and hazardous. That is why you should replace your system as soon as possible.
Noisy Pumps
Noisy pumps can be the result of several issues, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing them. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your sump pump run more quietly.
If the motor in your house is making noise, it could be time for a replacement. Depending on which model, you may need to lubricate or add a cover in order to muffle the sound and prevent resonation throughout your home.
Older sump pumps constructed of plastic or PVC tend to be noisier than their cast iron counterparts, so it’s wise to upgrade the motor as soon as possible. Modernized sump pumps run much more quietly and require less upkeep – saving you time in the long run!
Another issue that could be causing the pump to make too much noise is an uneven discharge pipe. Ideally, this pipe should be straight and not angled at any angle; otherwise, vibrations from angled directions will cause water to move at a faster rate and generate noise along the way.
You can reduce this sound by wrapping the pipe in foam insulation or lining it with rubber stoppers. This will absorb some of the noise, but for best results it should be done by a plumbing expert.
If your sump pit is in your home, it should be covered with an airtight lid to keep any noises from the underground pipes from reaching your residence and thus helping you sleep better at night.
It is also wise to take the sump pump out and clean out the grate in the bottom of the pit. Doing this prevents small stones from being pulled into it and blocking its inlet.
Degreaser and deodorizer in the pit can make it much quieter, as these chemicals float on top of the water and act as natural sound blockers. You can find these items at most hardware stores or local home improvement stores.
Unusual Noises
If your basement is damp or water-logged, a sump pump is essential to protect your home from water damage. When rain, ice or snow melts and seeps into the ground beneath your foundation, it’s up to the sump basin, pump and discharge pipes in your system to remove this water before it reaches your floor.
If your sump pump is making unusual noises, this could be a sign that it needs replacing. A new sump pump will prevent future flooding and your plumber can replace any worn-out parts causing the loud sounds from the motor or pipes.
No matter the type of sump pump you have, there may be several common reasons why you might hear unusual noises. Here are some potential causes:
Banging/Clanging Noises
Discharge pipes that are a little loose can make banging or clanging noises as water passes through them. This is often the case with older submersible pumps, but you can minimize noise by fitting pipe padding and rubber grommets to the discharge pipe to muffle noise.
Gurgling Noises
If you hear gurgling when your sump pump shuts off, this may be due to a check valve that either doesn’t function properly or is missing altogether. If you have an existing check valve, your plumbing service can replace it with a quieter spring-loaded version which should solve the issue.
Loud Motor Noises
If your pump’s motor is making noises, this could be due to lack of lubrication on its parts. Your sump pump’s motor and pipes need adequate lubrication in order to run optimally; additionally, proper lubrication helps protect them from grinding together or wearing down faster.
A loud pump could be indicative of an imbalanced impeller. When this occurs, the shaft won’t be able to support it properly and the pump may become underpowered and eventually burn out. If the noise is coming from your impeller, consider replacing it.
Empty Sump Pits
Sump pits are the lowest part of a basement and typically serve to catch excess water and other materials. They’re also commonly used in auto body shops and hospitals for collecting hazardous chemicals or waste.
The pump located inside of a sump pit is essential to keep water out and prevent flooding to your home. But to prevent clogging, regular maintenance of this area is necessary in order to prevent buildup that could malfunction the pump’s performance or even lead to its complete shutdown.
Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid these problems. One of the most essential is making sure you use a reliable company for installing your sump pump; they should also inspect for potential issues and perform regular maintenance checks on it.
Another way to prevent problems is checking your sump pit for cracks or leaks. A broken pipe could allow a large amount of water into the pit, causing the pump to malfunction and lead to extensive water damage. If you notice any cracks or leaks, contact a professional right away.
Sump pump failures can occur for various reasons, such as mechanical issues with the unit or wiring issues. While these are the most frequent reasons, there may be other causes as well.
A malfunctioning float switch, for instance, can render the entire system useless and cause the sump pit to become overrun with water. These issues are typically due to debris or water shifting inside of the pump; other times they might be due to an inadequate battery backup system or other urgent problems that need attention right away.
Before replacing the old sump pump, it’s essential to disconnect its discharge line. This tube connects the pump to pipes that take the pumped water from the pit and into your home; typically this is a 1 1/2″ PVC pipe running through your foundation wall to the outside of your house.
Power Outages
Power outages are common throughout the United States, especially during peak energy demand periods. They may also be caused by weather or other natural disasters and pose particular problems for those who live in areas prone to flooding or heavy precipitation.
These outages can be a real inconvenience and leave people feeling helpless and frustrated. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your family secure and contented even during prolonged blackouts.
One of the most essential steps you can take is preparing your home for a power outage before it occurs. This may involve stocking up on supplies and creating an evacuation plan. Furthermore, making upgrades to make your house more resilient during power outages will improve its resilience.
Another step you should take is inspect your power grid for any damages that could be causing outages. If you spot anything amiss, report it to your utility company immediately so they can address the problem promptly.
Sometimes, power outages are caused by maintenance or repairs on the electrical infrastructure. If this is the case, it usually takes only a short time for the power provider to restore service after rectifying the issue.
If your sump pump is not functioning optimally, it may be time for a replacement. The first step in installing the unit correctly includes making sure it’s level and the float assembly mounted horizontally; if stuck vertically, this can cause the pump to overheat and eventually fail.
That is why it’s essential to have your sump pump serviced regularly. Not only will this prevent potential failures, but it will guarantee that the pump remains functioning at its optimum performance level.
Additionally, you should keep a backup generator at your home in case your main pump malfunctions. A generator can supply power to run your sump pump during an outage and help protect your basement from water damage.
Finally, it’s wise to prepare for potential power outages by reducing your energy consumption. You can do this by turning off appliances when not in use and unplugging electronics that you don’t require. Doing this will save money and lower your electricity bills.
