Your sump pump is your home’s lifeline to basement floods and water damage.
But as any mechanical piece of machinery will eventually get old.
If you know the symptoms of your sump pump’s issues, you can avoid costly repairs and water damage.
Here are signs you should look for regarding your sump pump:
1. Unusual Noises
A properly functioning sump pump runs quietly.
If you hear grinding, squealing, or banging noises starting to occur, it’s a sign that the motor is humming or that something is in the pump.
Those repeated strange sounds signal to tell you something’s not right.
2. Frequent Cycling
A sump pump will switch on and off periodically to keep water flowing.
Yet, if your pump is on and off too often, you may have electrical issues or be unable to handle the water flow.
The cycle can go out of control and malfunction.
3. Water In The Pit After Pumping
Once the sump pump runs, the pit should be pretty dry.
If water is still left in the pit, it might be a sign that the pump is not working correctly.
This inefficiency can result from a faulty motor, a stuck impeller, or a mechanical problem.
4. Longer Pumping Periods
A good sump pump will turn on when water rises quickly and flush out water efficiently.
If your pump takes longer to clean out water or won’t keep up in a heavy rainstorm, it isn’t working.
5. More High Electricity Costs
A faulty sump pump may be the culprit when your electric bill spikes out of nowhere.
When your pump runs constantly or consumes more power than usual, it will use more energy, suggesting it’s failing.
6. Outline Rust/Corrosion visible
Check your sump pump regularly for rust or corrosion.
While rust occasionally occurs, too much corrosion can damage the pump’s structure and cause a leak or mechanical failure.
7. Regular Switch Trips
If your sump pump keeps blowing the circuit breaker often, it might be drawing excessive power from internal problems.
This interferes with the pump’s function and suggests an electrical issue, which should be resolved as soon as possible.
8. Age of the Pump
Depending on how much you use and care for it, you can get 7-10 years on a sump pump.
As your pump approaches or has already passed this age threshold, keep an eye on it and have it replaced so it doesn’t fail.
9. Strange Smells
A smoke smell coming from your sump pump is a dead giveaway. It may be a problem with overheating, electricity, or a motor.
If such odors are found, turn off the pump immediately and get professional help.
10. Check Valve Failure
The check valve ensures the water pumping out doesn’t leak back into the sump pit.
If you see water re-enter after the pump is run, the check valve is broken or stuck, which can overburden the pump and cause failure.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To help maintain your sump pump for a longer time and make sure that it works efficiently, consider the following routines:
- Regular Inspections: Inspect your sump pump for wear, buildup, and proper operation.
- Clean the Pit: Vacuum the sump pit and remove dirt, debris, or sediment to prevent clogs and improve the pump’s performance.
- Test the Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make it look like it will rain hard and see if the pump starts and dries the water.
- Monitor the Float: Ensure the float is flowing and not blocked so the pump can work at the right water level.
- Annual Professional Maintenance: To prevent further trouble, schedule professional maintenance to inspect and service your sump pump yearly.
Conclusion
Your sump pump is essential in protecting your home from water damage.
If you’re alert and know the symptoms of a worn pump, you can take action to keep it in good working order or have it replaced before an unexpected malfunction.
Maintenance and repair can help save your home and car and give you much comfort when you are at a loss during rains and floods.