5 Signs It’s Time to Repair or Replace Your Home’s Sump Pump
If your Niles, OH, home has a sump pump, you probably already know how vital it is to protecting your home from water damage. However, if you don’t have very much experience with sump pumps, you may not know how to detect signs of trouble with one. That’s a problem because a failed sump pump can lead to a flood in your home. Therefore, it’s essential to try and get ahead of sump pump issues before they lead to that outcome. To help you to do that, here are five signs that it’s time to repair or replace your home’s sump pump.
1. You’re Hearing Unusual Sounds
When your sump pump runs, it’s not silent. However, a sump pump that’s working properly shouldn’t ever emit any more than a low continuous hum. If you start hearing any unusual noises coming from your sump pump, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. It could be that an internal component of your pump is nearing failure. Or, it could be that the pump’s impeller has broken, leading to noise-producing vibration in the unit. Either way, you should have your sump pump looked at by a professional plumber.
2. Your Sump Pump Won’t Stop Running
Your sump pump can sense when the water level in your sump has risen enough to require it to turn on. If your sump pump turns on and keeps running with no end in sight, that’s not normal behavior. In many cases, this can happen when a sump pump’s float switch gets stuck or suffers damage. When that happens, the pump loses its ability to measure the sump’s water level. As a result, it will continue to run. If this happens, you’ll want to call for a repair appointment immediately.
3. Your Sump Pump Short-Cycles
Every time your sump pump activates, it should continue to run until it lowers the water level in your sump to a preset level. Then, it should turn off by itself and wait until the water level rises enough for it to activate again. Even during periods of heavy rain, that should result in long periods of your pump running, followed by long periods where it isn’t. So, if your sump pump starts short-cycling, it likely has a problem. It could be something as simple as the pump needing its float switch adjusted, or it might indicate an issue with your pump’s wiring or power supply. It’s also a reason to have your pump serviced right away.
4. You Start Noticing Rust
As a submersible device, sump pumps can handle getting wet. However, they’re not impervious to certain types of damage resulting from constant exposure to water. One of the most common types of damage is rust. If you start to see signs of rust on your sump pump, it’s a sign that you should get your pump checked out. The damage could be superficial, or it could be a sign that there’s deterioration elsewhere in the unit that could result in it failing. It’s also a sign that your sump pump is nearing the end of its useful life. In most cases, rust buildup on your sump pump should serve as a warning that it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.
5. Your Sump Pump Is Over 7 Years Old
Although you might not know it, the average sump pump has a lifespan of about seven years. Of course, that assumes that you keep it properly maintained throughout its lifetime. However, when your pump starts nearing the expected end of its life, it’s a good idea to preemptively replace it before it fails. Compared to the damage your home might suffer if your pump fails, the cost of a new pump is a small price to pay.
Your Expert Sump Pump Team
At the end of the day, the last thing you’d want is for your home’s sump pump to fail unexpectedly. Keeping an eye out for the signs of trouble detailed above is always a good idea. It’s also a good idea to have one of our expert plumbers from A To Z Dependable Services inspect your sump pump periodically. We’ll know when your sump pump needs repairs and when you should replace it. We can also provide any other plumbing services your home requires. [Company_name] also provides complete HVAC and indoor air quality services too, to help you keep your home comfortable and safe. For sump pumps, plumbing issues, or HVAC services, contact A To Z Dependable Services today!
