Sump pumps keep basements dry in homes that are built on flood-prone plots. However, these systems can fail due to age, power outages, or lack of maintenance.
If this happens, homeowners must pay for a sump pump repair before extensive damage occurs. Check the following red flags to identify problems early to prevent these costly repairs. Visit https://www.plumbing-express.com/ to learn more.
Sump pumps are essential for keeping your home protected, but they’re also a huge investment. Whether your sump pump isn’t working properly, or has been completely destroyed by flooding or heavy rains, it’s vital to find a professional plumber to inspect and fix the problem. The average cost of repairs for a sump pump is between $50 and $100 per hour, plus travel fees and minimum service charges.
A humming sound is normal for a sump pump as it runs, but when the noise becomes unusually loud, it can indicate an issue with the float switch, check valve or clog. A professional will be able to clear these issues up quickly and effectively.
It is not uncommon for outdoor sump pumps to freeze, especially if they’re left unattended over winter. A professional plumber will be able to defrost the unit, thaw the lines and remove debris to get it running again. This can save homeowners from flooded basements and property damage.
The discharge pipe transports water from the sump basin to your home’s drainage system. Over time, this pipe can develop cracks or become clogged with debris. Professional plumbers will be able to patch superficial damages and perform a thorough flush of the line to remove any blockages.
A sump pump that cycles continuously indicates it is either too small for the volume of water it’s supposed to be removing or that it is reaching the end of its lifespan. A professional plumber will be able to assess the situation and recommend an appropriate long-term solution. It’s also important to check the circuit breakers and GFCI outlets around your home before contacting a professional to ensure they aren’t the cause of the problem.
Loud Humming Noise
A low humming noise is normal, but if your sump pump starts making loud rattling sounds or grinding noises while it’s working, it could indicate that there’s something wrong. These sounds could be caused by a clogged discharge pipe or a damaged impeller. In either case, you’ll want to have the pump checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
A humming sound may also indicate that the electrical system is running correctly. However, if the humming stops for no apparent reason, it’s likely that the unit isn’t getting enough electricity. A GFCI switch might need to be reset or a circuit breaker needs to be switched off and back on again.
If your sump pump is making a loud vibrating noise, it is likely that the discharge pipes are not insulated or covered. This can lead to heavy vibrations that can cause the pipes to bang against each other or the walls inside the basin. It is possible to reduce this problem by insulating the pipes or covering them with plastic. A professional can also reroute the discharge line to avoid the sewer pipes, which will make this issue less severe.
A gurgling sound is often caused by the check valve in your pump. This valve is designed to ensure that all water flows in one direction, but it can sometimes get clogged. It can be helpful to replace the standard valve with a spring-loaded one that will prevent this problem from occurring. This will also help to make your sump pump quieter.
Pump Is Not Pumping
If your sump pump isn’t pumping water when it should, it may need a new fuse or float switch. It can also be caused by a clogged discharge pipe. Regularly inspect the pipe to see if it’s clogged with mud, grass, leaves, ice or even animal’s nests. If it is, you can run a long plumber’s snake through the line to dislodge the blockage.
Another sign of a pump problem is when it stops working altogether. This could be due to a power outage, or it could be because the unit is too small for your home’s needs. In this case, a professional will be needed to calculate your home’s drainage system and install the right sized unit.
First, try to reactivate the pump by opening the pit and manually lifting the float switch. If this doesn’t work, you should check the unit’s power supply by tracing both cords to the electrical outlet and unplugging them. Next, look to see if the float switch has moved up or down, which can happen if something has gotten stuck inside of it. If it has, you can try to push the switch back into its active position by removing anything from the pit that could be blocking the float switch’s movement.
If the pump still won’t activate, there could be an issue with its motor or impeller. A humming sound can mean that these parts are jammed, which can be a simple fix with a screwdriver. Unplugging the unit can also allow you to inspect the intake screen located on the bottom of the pump. This can be removed to clear out any debris that has gotten stuck inside. If the problems persist, it’s time to call a sump pump repair expert.
Continuous Running After Heavy Rain
It’s not necessarily unusual for a sump pump to run continuously during a heavy rain. But, in general, a running sump pump indicates there’s an underlying plumbing issue that requires professional attention.
Whether it’s a clogged discharge pipe or an underground leak, these issues can cause your sump pump to overwork itself as it deals with an inexorable flow of water. This can shorten the lifespan of your sump pump.
The most obvious problem is that your discharge pipe may be clogged with gunk or debris. It’s also possible that the float on your sump pump is stuck in the “up” position, so it is constantly working to remove water from your home.
If this is the case, you can try draining some of the water yourself by disconnecting your sump pump from its power source and removing it from the pit. You can then clean the inlet screen, which will allow water to enter the motor and then be pushed out through the discharge pipe.
It’s also important to ensure your gutters aren’t clogged, and that they’re sending rainwater into the sewer system instead of on the ground outside your house. A burst sewer pipe in your yard or a blocked storm drain can cause too much water to collect around your house, which can force your sump pump to operate continuously during heavy rain.
A faulty switch can also cause your sump pump to keep running. It’s essential that you check the breaker box and fuse for a tripped circuit before calling in a professional. It’s also important to look at the float and the pump switch to see if they are properly installed.
Non-functional Unit
Over time, sump pump mechanical parts can become clogged or dirty. This is especially true if the pump sits right against the bottom of a dirty sump pit where silt typically collects. The “float switch” that turns the pump on and off can also clog or jam. Lastly, the motor itself can wear out or become damaged. All of these problems can lead to a non-functional pump, leaving your basement vulnerable to flooding. A regular inspection of your sump pump system can help to identify these issues before they develop. A simple test, which involves pouring water into the basin until the pressure or float switch is triggered, can reveal whether the pump is working properly.
If you notice strange noises or excessive vibration during the testing process, these can indicate mechanical issues that should be addressed as soon as possible. Unusual grinding or rattling noises may indicate a worn-out motor or a damaged impeller. Excessive vibration during operation can indicate loose components or a motor that is overheating.
Another common issue is a clogged discharge pipe. This can cause the pump to run continuously, wasting energy and leading to expensive repairs in the future. To avoid this, make sure that the discharge line is not obstructed with debris or frozen in colder weather and that it extends away from the house at least 20 feet.
Basement floods are not only an inconvenience, but they can be costly and harmful to your health. Standing water can ruin belongings, damage walls and floors, and create the perfect environment for mold to grow. It is also an electrical hazard, posing the risk of fire and electrocution. A professional plumber can install a new sump pump to prevent these issues. They can also inspect and maintain your existing sump pump to keep it in good working condition all year round.