Your sump pump is an integral component in protecting your basement from flooding and water damage. It takes away excess moisture that collects in your basement, helping you avoid costly repairs.
When you require a new sump pump, McHale’s is the team to call. We can assist you in selecting the ideal pump for your home and installing it correctly.
Signs You Need a New Sump Pump
If you’ve ever suffered water damage in your basement, then you know the critical role a working sump pump plays. It is your last line of defense against flooding, extensive water damage and costly home repairs.
Unfortunately, just like any mechanical system, a sump pump has its limits. That is why it’s essential to recognize the warning signs that you need to replace it when they appear.
Though sump pumps typically operate quietly, any unusual noises — such as rattling, grinding or squealing — could indicate an issue with its mechanical components. This could include anything from a malfunctioning motor to a jammed impeller; in any event, damaged sump pumps should be replaced promptly in order to keep your basement free from flooding.
Another sign that your sump pump needs replacing is if it won’t come on when needed. This usually indicates an issue with either the float switch or part of its mechanism.
When water in the sump pit has reached capacity, the float should rise and signal that the pump should start working. But if it fails to do so, this could be indicative of an issue with its mechanism.
Additionally, if the pump has been running continuously for days or weeks at a time, this could be indicative of an issue with its motor. This could be due to loose wiring or simply because it’s old and has experienced extensive wear-and-tear over time.
Checking your pump’s efficiency is as easy as pouring some water into the sump pit. If the float doesn’t rise, call your plumber right away to inspect the pump.
1. Your Sump Pump Is Running All the Time
If your sump pump is running continuously, it could be indicative of an issue with the system. This could include an issue with the check valve, discharge pipe, or even float switch failure.
A check valve is an integral component of your sump pump that prevents water from seeping back into your basement after it has been pumped out. If yours is malfunctioning, replacement may be necessary – an inexpensive part that will ensure both dryness in your basement and optimal operation of the sump pump itself.
Another common reason your sump pump may be running continuously is due to dirt and debris buildup. To ensure optimal performance of your system, regularly clearing this out is important.
Finally, your float switch may become stuck and keep your sump pump running for short bursts of time. In such cases, untangling the float switch and replacing it with a new one should provide temporary relief.
No matter the cause, it’s best to call a plumber to inspect and fix any problems with your system. If your sump pump isn’t functioning properly, this could lead to extensive property damage as well as water leaks in your home.
Rainy weather often necessitates your sump pump to run frequently. This is because the ground will become saturated as rain continues and your pump may not have the capacity to handle all of its workload. If rainfall is heavy and persistent, however, this could pose a problem.
2. Your Sump Pump Is Making Unusual Noises
Your sump pump is an integral component of your home’s drainage system. It draws water out of your basement during heavy downpours to prevent flooding.
If you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump, there may be an issue with the unit. Get in touch with a sump pump plumber to discover what’s causing these sounds and what it could signify.
Noisy pumps can indicate that your unit’s motor is failing or it has become clogged with debris and rodents. Don’t ignore this warning sign, as a noisy pump could potentially lead to flooding in your home.
You can try cleaning the lubricant reservoirs and replacing worn parts to reduce motor noise, but these measures won’t last if your pump is old or has numerous issues.
Another possibility is a malfunctioning check valve, which allows water to drain into your pit but not out through the discharge pipe. A check valve that doesn’t function correctly can make your pump work harder than expected and put more strain on its components.
Finally, if your sump pump is making an unusual humming sound, it could be due to a jammed impeller – the mechanical part responsible for drawing in water. To resolve the problem, remove and clean out the impeller thoroughly.
You can have a professional replace the impeller with one that’s more efficient and will reduce noise levels. Additionally, look for a sump pump made of corrosion-resistant materials so it won’t rust over time.
3. Your Sump Pump Is Getting Old
Your sump pump is your last line of defense against flooding in your basement. It keeps your house dry by moving water out before it can seep into your foundation and cause extensive damage. Unfortunately, as they age, their effectiveness starts to wane and repair or replacement may become necessary as they reach their 10-year milestone.
If your sump pump is making unusual noises, it may be a sign that something is wrong with the device itself – such as a broken motor or malfunctioning float switch. Additionally, this could indicate that your unit is older than 10 years and needs replacing.
Another indication your sump pump may be getting old is if it starts making slurping or gurgling noises. These sounds are common with sump pumps that use a standard check valve.
To eliminate this sound, you can adjust the pump’s shutoff height or configure it so that it stops pumping while some water remains in the sump pit. However, if neither of these remedies work, you may have to replace the pump entirely.
This can be an expensive problem, so if you’re having this issue, contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and suggest the appropriate replacement for your sump pump.
Your sump pump’s gurgling noise isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be distracting when trying to sleep at night. To eliminate this issue, try using either a silent model sump pump or insulated pipes which help stop the slurping and gurgling sounds.
Typically, you should replace your sump pump when it reaches ten years old. But you can extend its life by inspecting and maintaining it regularly throughout the year.
4. Your Sump Pump Is Not Working
If your sump pump isn’t functioning optimally, it could be an indication that it needs to be replaced. A malfunctioning sump pump can be hazardous, so call a licensed plumber if you have any queries about your system.
One of the most frequent sump pump issues is a stuck on or unengaged float switch. This device activates your pump when water levels in your pit reach a certain height.
Sometimes the float switch on your basement pump can get stuck on something and won’t activate. To solve the problem, remove any obstruction or reposition the sump pump so it doesn’t block the float switch.
Another possible reason your sump pump may not be working is a blockage in the discharge line. This line drains excess water away from both your home and pump, so regular maintenance should be done to keep it functioning optimally.
When replacing a sump pump, start by inspecting its power supply. Make sure it’s plugged into an outlet with power and that its cord isn’t damaged.
Finally, you can test whether the pump is running by pouring three gallons of water into the sump pit until its float switch rises. If this doesn’t activated, it could be that your discharge pipe is blocked or your check valve is malfunctioning.
If these troubleshooting tips don’t solve your issue, it may be time to invest in a new sump pump. There are various options available so consult a licensed professional to determine which is best suited for you.
