Sump pumps are an integral component of any home’s basement or crawlspace. They prevent excess water from flooding into your space and destroying valuable items in the process.
If your sump pump is malfunctioning, it could be a sign that it’s time for replacement. Here are a few warning signs you should watch out for before calling an expert:
Choosing a New Sump Pump
A sump pump is an integral component of any homeowner’s basement flood prevention strategy. It pumps out water from the pit to keep your home dry and safe during rainstorms, high groundwater levels or other potential sources that could cause a leak or flood.
A quality sump pump can protect your belongings during flooding. For instance, if you have furniture and electronics in your basement that need protection from water damage, having the correct pump in place will guarantee their safety from being destroyed by rising waters during a storm.
When selecting a sump pump, there are several types to choose from; ultimately, what works best for your situation will determine which option you select. For instance, whether a submersible sump pump or pedestal pump works best in your situation.
Furthermore, you should take into account both your budget and the size of your pit basin when choosing a pump. Pedestal pumps work best for smaller basins while submersible sump pumps are better suited to larger ones.
When selecting a sump pump, another important factor to take into account is its horsepower. This determines how quickly the pump can work to eliminate water from your basement.
If your current sump pump is making loud noises or cycling on and off frequently, it may be due to a worn out motor, broken bearing, or malfunctioning float switch.
Loud and erratic noises can also indicate that the pump’s impeller is damaged. A broken or jammed impeller makes loud, rattling sounds when trying to pull water out of its pit.
You may experience this when the impeller is bent or twisted due to debris. To correct this, straighten its blades or replace it with a new one.
If you’re uncertain whether your pump is working correctly, contact a licensed plumber to have it inspected and cleaned. Hiring an expert to do this can save money in the long run as they will guarantee your home remains dry and secure.
Installation
When installing a new sump pump, it is best to enlist the assistance of an experienced professional. Not only can they install it efficiently and ensure its correct functionality, but they can also take care of any other plumbing needs you may have.
They can help you dry out your house if water has already damaged it, as well as determine the best sump pump for your residence.
Before they begin, the contractor will ask you to completely dry out your basement or other area where the new pump will be installed. This step is essential as if there is moisture or mold present, they will want to make sure it’s completely dry before beginning their work.
If your basement floor is concrete, you will need to break through it in order to create a pit or hole where the pump basin will go. You can do this with either a jackhammer or sledgehammer.
Once the hole is dug, backfill with excavated dirt around the bottom. This should provide a secure foundation for your new sump pump to sit on. After installation is complete, you can attach your new sump pump.
When installing the pump, make sure it is level in its pit by checking with a level. If not, use plastic shims to adjust it until it’s level. Make sure the float on the new pump is located in the center of the pit without touching either the pump or sides of the basin.
Next, attach the discharge pipe to your new sump pump using either a threaded connection on the outside of the pump, or cut away some of your old pipe and insert it inside of the new one.
Once the discharge pipe is connected, attach the pump to an electrical supply. This should be done by a qualified electrician.
Before you do anything else, disconnect the old pump and check valve and take them apart. Additionally, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear out any debris that might be blocking either pit or pump.
Maintenance
Sump pumps are essential components of your home’s plumbing system and must be kept running smoothly. Not only does it prevent basement flooding and water damage from occurring in the lowest level of your residence, but it also helps prevent mold growth, mildew, and other issues from arising.
However, just like any other piece of equipment in your home, eventually it needs replacing if not taken care of. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do yourself to keep your sump pump functioning optimally.
First, double-check the power cord and make sure it’s connected to an appropriate source of electricity. A power outage can cause your sump pump to malfunction and lead to basement flooding, so in order to avoid this from occurring, consider installing a backup power source in your home.
Next, inspect the inlet screen of your sump pump to see if there are any obstructions inside. Regular cleaning this screen is important because debris can cause serious damage and lead to various issues with the machine.
If your pump is old, it may need lubrication from time to time. Depending on the system model, this can be accomplished by applying grease to the bearings of the pump.
Another step you should take is cleaning the discharge pipe from your sump pump. Inspect it for any signs of corrosion or mold growth to determine whether you need to replace your pump or not.
Finally, always inspect the float switch to make sure it is functioning properly. Sometimes, due to vibrations from a motor or high water pressure, the float may shift out of position. In order to prevent this from occurring, check your sump pump regularly for accuracy in setting its float switch position.
If you need assistance with any of the steps above or have difficulty performing them, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. McHale’s is more than happy to assist with all your sump pump requirements.
Repair
Sump pumps are an invaluable asset that prevents water from flooding your basement and wreaking havoc on your home. Not only do they save money on costly repairs, but they also protect you against health hazards linked to breathing mold or mildew in the basement.
If your sump pump isn’t functioning properly, repair or replace it if possible. There could be several reasons for this such as a malfunctioning float switch, an electrical issue or debris in the pit.
A float switch can become stuck on a solid object or become clogged with dirt and grime, rendering it ineffective and causing the pump to run continuously when it doesn’t need to. It could also indicate that the sump pump has moved out of its original position and needs reset before working again.
In either case, a certified and experienced plumber or waterproofing contractor should be able to resolve the problem for you. They will diagnose the problem and decide if replacing the pump is necessary.
Your sump pump may be overheating if it needs to run continuously or is working longer than intended. To check its temperature, pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the pit. If the level rises above that of the pit, consider replacing with a new pump.
When installing a sump pump for your property, be sure to select one that is suitable in size. Take into account how often rain falls in your area and how frequently you plan to utilize the system.
Consider investing in a battery-operated backup sump pump, which will keep your system running even when power goes out. These units spring to life when their main counterpart fails and can last up to two days before needing recharge.
