Sump pumps are essential tools for homes in areas prone to heavy rain and floods. They pump the water from a pit away from your residence, avoiding basement flooding.
A professional sump pump plumber can assist you in deciding if it’s time for a replacement or repair. They’ll also communicate any unforeseen issues that add extra work.
Signs You Need a New Sump Pump
Sump pumps are essential in protecting the basement of your home from water damage. In times of extreme weather, their effectiveness is even more critical as even a little rain can cause flooding.
However, if your sump pump stops working properly or starts having issues, you could face major difficulties. That is why it is so important to be aware of the warning signs that your sump pump may need repair or replacement so you can act fast and contact a plumber for assistance.
One of the telltale signs your sump pump is malfunctioning is if it makes unusual noises. These could be indicative of an issue with its motor or other components.
In these scenarios, it’s wise to contact a licensed plumber to inspect your sump pump and identify what needs fixing. Sounds could indicate an errant part, an impeller that’s clogged with dirt or simply because the machine is unbalanced and vibrating excessively.
You may start to smell foul odors coming from your basement. These could indicate that there is excessive stagnant water inside the sump basin and/or that the pump is malfunctioning.
Another indication that your sump pump is malfunctioning is if it keeps running and cycling on and off. This could indicate an issue with either the float switch, power cord failure, or that the sump basin itself has become too small for the pump to handle properly.
If your sump pump is failing to keep up with the water level in your basement, it could be time for a replacement. Chances are good that it has been running for over 7 years now, and waiting until it breaks down is not a wise idea.
Aside from preventing water damage, a good sump pump is also an excellent way to increase your property’s value. A basement that has an operational sump pump will be more desirable to live and sell, while also helping maintain its structural integrity. Furthermore, it may prevent electrical fires from erupting in your basement – an issue many homeowners face.
Unusual Noises
If your basement contains a sump pump, you understand the critical role it plays in keeping your home dry and saving you money in the long run. To guarantee optimal performance from your sump pump, perform routine maintenance and ensure it remains clean.
Sometimes, a sump pump may make strange noises that could indicate there is something amiss. These sounds can be distressing, so it is essential to address them promptly.
One of the first signs your sump pump may be malfunctioning is if it’s making loud, rattling or humming sounds. This could indicate overworking of the system or clogged with debris not getting caught by its filter.
Other issues that could cause a sump pump to make unusual sounds include vibrations, an immobilized float switch or an inadequate motor. It is best to have this issue handled by an experienced professional as any delay could lead to severe damage and even complete pump failure.
Another common issue is a broken check valve, which prevents water from flowing back into the pit when the pump is running. This could overload the system and force it to shut down altogether. If your check valve has malfunctioned, contact a plumber right away so they can fix it for you.
Some pumps may emit a grinding sound when running. This is usually indicative of an impeller that’s not functioning correctly and needs replacement.
The impeller is the component of a sump pump that draws in water and suctions it out. If this vital part is damaged or clogged with debris, you’ll hear an audible hissing noise.
Ratcheting or clanging sounding motors indicate they need replacing, usually when not installed correctly or placed incorrectly within the basin.
Unresponsiveness
Unresponsive sump pumps can be caused by a number of issues, such as an unreliable float switch system or lack of electrical power. These common problems are easily remedied by hiring an experienced expert for sump pump services.
A float switch is a device that activates the pump as water rises in a sump pit. Once reached, it engages the pump and turns off as water returns back down to the bottom of the pit. Unfortunately, when this switch becomes stuck in its “on” position, it may be difficult for it to shut off completely. These switches are typically attached to their side by wire attachments which may become tangled or jammed within the pit, leading to continuous operation of the machine.
If the float switch is stuck, you can try raising it to see if that activates the pump. However, if that doesn’t work, remove any objects or debris which might be impeding its movement.
Make sure the float switch’s plug hasn’t been exposed to moisture. Water can seep into the electrical components of your sump pump, preventing it from working and necessitating replacement.
Another sign that your float switch may not be functioning correctly is when it fails to turn on at all. This issue occurs often when the pump shifts inside the basin or becomes stuck due to obstructions like pipes or debris in its path.
Before using the float switch again, be sure to inspect its plug and blow-dry it. If water has seeped into any electrical components of your sump pump, you will need to replace them with new ones.
A discharge pipe that isn’t angled correctly can cause its pipes to vibrate against the sides of a sump tank, creating loud humming noises. A plumbing expert can help adjust the discharge pipe so as to reduce vibrations and noise levels.
Power Outages
When your sump pump goes out of service, it can spell trouble. Not only does this make it difficult to keep your basement dry and damp, but it may also result in extensive damage that requires both time and money to fix or replace.
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your sump pump from losing power and being damaged. The first step is ensuring that it is on a dedicated electrical circuit; this way, other appliances plugged into the same circuit won’t trip the breaker and cause your pump to shut off abruptly.
Another way to ensure your sump pump stays powered up is by having a battery backup. This is especially helpful during stormy weather when power outages are common.
It is essential to have a professional inspect your sump pump for any signs of wear and tear. This could indicate that the pump needs replacing.
Your sump pump should only activate when necessary to prevent flooding, never continuously. If it’s running constantly, that could be an indication that its capacity has reached its maximum or that it cannot handle the volume of water it must discharge.
To determine if your pump’s float switch is working correctly, look at the level of water in the sump pit. When functioning correctly, it will only turn on when required by an internal sensor.
When this switch becomes jammed or tangled, it can cause the sump pump to cycle continuously and exhaust its motor, potentially leading to premature failure of the device.
Other causes of your sump pump losing power could include a tripped breaker, bad wiring or an internal mechanism that has broken. If this has occurred, contact a licensed plumber right away to get it repaired.
Aside from keeping your basement dry, a sump pump is also essential for safeguarding the structural integrity of your home. A malfunctioning sump pump could result in serious issues with regards to both foundation and structure; flooding basements also causes extensive property damage and makes the home uninhabitable.
