If you live in an area prone to flooding and frequent rainfall, a sump pump can work like magic to prevent water damage due to the heavy downpour. A sump pump stands as a barrier between your home and flooding.
However, if you don’t take care of your sump pump, it can face various problems like corrosion and worn-out parts, leading to inefficient operation or total failure. While some issues can be repaired, after years of constant use, you may need to replace your pump completely to protect your home.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Replacement
Here are some common signs that your sump pump is not working and you should look for a possible replacement:
1. Strange Noises Coming from Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps are slightly noisy if they are running constantly, but the noise of a well-functioning sump pump differs from that of a broken one. If your sump pump is in good condition, it hums while operating. However, if your sump pump is producing a squeaky or rattling sound, or if the sounds are inconsistent, it could mean that you have a malfunctioning motor. If that is the case, your sump pump will likely need to be replaced.
2. Water In Your Basement
An obvious visible sign of a defective sump pump is water all over your basement. Your sump pump is designed to automatically detect excess water and pump it to a nearby drain at least 20 feet away from your basement. If the sump pump does not remove excess water completely, you should check for leaks or hire a professional technician to find the damage and implement repairs. If the repairs are significant, it may be more effective to replace your pump.
3. Frequent Cycling On and Off
Does your pump turn on and off abruptly? Does it suddenly get stuck, preventing you from turning it off? That may be due to your sump pump having a faulty switch or a missing valve. In such cases, you should contact a professional technician to replace or repair your sump pump. Sometimes, the float switch or other sump pump parts might be quite expensive or unavailable, making it cheaper and simpler to update your pump simply.
4. Excessive Vibrations or Shaking
Your sump pump should not vibrate or shake vigorously. If it does, the shaking is probably due to serious problems with the impellers. Impellers in your sump pump are responsible for drawing water into the sump pit. During the process, dirt, debris, gravel, sand, or silt may come along, causing impellers to bend. Excessive vibration is often a sign of a damaged impeller. If you ignore this problem and continue using your pump, the damage will amplify. At this stage, your sump pump will be beyond repair, and the best option is replacement.
5. Visible Rust or Corrosion
You may notice visible rust appearing on your sump pump over time as it is constantly in contact with water. If you don’t get rid of the rust immediately, the mineral deposits can freeze the system, causing failure in emergencies. Eventually, you will require a new sump pump.
6. Persistent Moisture or Dampness in Basement
A sump pump’s main purpose is to protect your basement from water, prevent moisture infiltration, and reduce the chances of structural damage and mold growth. Throughout its lifespan, a sump pump collects and discharges a large volume of water from your basement, which causes wear and tear. As a result, the parts begin to wear out. Therefore, regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to sustain the life of your sump pump, but eventually, it will most likely need to be replaced.
7. Age of the Sump Pump
Technically, the average lifespan of a good-quality sump pump is around ten years, but its actual working capacity depends on how frequently you use it. The more you use it, the more likely it is to experience wear and tear. So, if you know that the sump pump is getting old, call a professional to inspect and replace it.
Tips for Sump Pump Maintenance
As a homeowner, you install a sump pump to prevent havoc when a flood, heavy rainfall, or groundwater hits your basement. If you avoid regular maintenance, the sump pump can fail right at these crucial moments. With simple routine checkups and small investments in some repair work, you can save thousands of dollars dealing with flooding and water damage repair.
Sump pumps are not difficult to maintain. Follow the useful tips below to enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning pump:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and never forget regular servicing schedules, depending on your sump pump type.
- Use appropriate lubricant and rust-prevention coatings for smooth functioning for a longer period.
- Never delay repairs if you observe any worn-out machine parts in your sump pump.
- Check regularly for water or oil leaks or debris collecting around the sump pump pit.
- On a monthly basis, check your pump motor for any vibrations and imbalances.
- Your sump pump’s moving parts may wear out or lose balance with regular usage, so monitor your pump for any misalignment or damage.
- Inspect the impellers frequently as they may be clogged with rust buildup or debris preventing steady water flow.
- If you have installed a sump pump with battery backup, test the pump with the power disconnected to ensure that your pump will still work during a power outage.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
There are many brands of sump pumps, each equipped with different features, benefits, and plumbing requirements. However, each one has the same objective: draining water away from your home’s basement or crawlspace.
Your sump pump has two parts: the sump pump and the sump pit. The sump pit, also known as the basin, is a hole dug deep below the basement’s surface level, and it is home to your sump pump.
Sump pumps have a sensor, often a float switch, that activates the sump pump when the water level is high enough. It pumps the water far away from your home through a discharge channel, also known as effluent, to prevent water damage to your property. A check valve in the sump pump system prevents the backflow of water once it is pumped out from the drainage pipe.
Some sump pumps are designed with battery backup systems, offering you hours of backup even if your home is prone to power fluctuations that can lead to sump pump failure. Likewise, some pumps function with a smart alarm system that detects floods and sends notifications to your smart phone about the water.
If you are wondering how long sump pumps last, the average lifespan of your sump pump is about 7-10 years under normal conditions. The lifespan of a pump really depends on the amount of water it has to evacuate regularly since some homes have pumps working constantly due to heavy rainfall and other water issues. If you use a sump pump continuously, it may last for 3-5 years. Regular maintenance also helps to extend the lifespan of a pump.
Replacing a sump pump usually only takes a few hours. However, the installation time can extend up to 6-8 hours, depending on your pump type, location, plumbing complexities, and basement construction.
Conclusion
If you need a sump pump replacement, we are here to help. Our team of expert sump pump technicians handles all the complexities of sump pump installation, ensuring a dry basement or crawl space long-term.
Contact American Eagle Prof. Services, Inc. at 1 (410) 263-9682 to schedule a free quote today, or visit us at 605 Main Street, Suite 204, Stevensville, MD, to protect your home with permanent solutions.
