Signs it is Time to Replace Your Sump Pump
Spring is usually your sump pumps busy season; although we have had a pretty mild spring this year (knock on wood) when it comes to rain. However, just because your basement stayed dry this year or in the past doesn’t mean that it will in the future. Be prepared by maintaining that sump pump sitting in the corner and watch for these common signs that indicate it may be time to replace your pump.
Old Age.
Although it would be handy, sump pumps don’t last forever. The average life expectancy is about 10 years so, your pump could simply just be too old. There are a few things that affect the longevity of a sump pump:
Frequency of use
The quality
Length the pump has to carry water to discharge
If you suspect your sump pump may be on the fritz, give us a call and we can come out and inspect it and determine what the best plan is going forward. Abel Plumbing has extensive experience repairing and installing sump pumps.
On/Off Issues.
If you’ve been hearing your sump pump go through constant cycles of turning on and off or continuously running, it may be a sign there is a significant problem. This problem can overwork your pump and can cause it to fail when bad weather strikes. This issue can stem from:
Missing or broken check valve
The wrong-sized sump pump
Stuck switches
The last thing we want is your sump pump to quit right when a heavy rain comes. It is a good idea to have it inspected as soon as possible if you suspect on/off issues.
Noisy.
You should hear some noise coming from your sump pump, but if you notice more noise or louder noise than usual, it could mean a motor issue. Keep an ear out for rattles, grinding, thuds, or other abnormal noises.
The good news is that when caught early enough motors can be repaired or replaced without having to install a whole new system. If you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump and are uncomfortable examining the system, call a plumber immediately.
Clogged Pump.
If your sump pump is uncovered it will almost inevitably accumulate dirt and contaminants. This can cause fan blades, switches, the pump inlet, and the discharge line to clog. This will ultimately cause the pump to suck up any of the grit and impair performance.
Purchase an airtight lid or grate to prevent dirt, leaves, and sticks from falling down the pit and consider having your sump pump inspected to see if there are any damages.
Consider having a battery backup sump pump installed to supplement your primary pump by giving you several hours of additional protection from water damage if your primary pump fails. A backup pump brings peace-of-mind when spring rain season rolls around.
If your sump pump is exhibiting any of the signs above, or you would like to learn more about sump pump repairs, installations or backups, give us a call at (763) 682-4105 or contact us here.