Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

Common Signs Of Sump Pump Problems

by Bill Turner

If basement flooding is a common occurrence in your home, then a sump pump can help. A sump pump protects your basement from unexpected flooding and the resulting water damage. You should regularly maintain your sump to keep it functional and dependable.

Unfortunately, like other components of your plumbing system, a sump pump often loses its effectiveness over time. A bad sump pump may require replacement if repairs don't work.

Check out the common signs that can tell when your sump is failing. 

1. Peculiar Noises

A sump pump naturally makes a hammering noise when it runs. Excess noise, however, is a clear sign of failing components in your sump pump. Often, the culprit is the pump's impeller. So, if your sump pump makes a grinding noise, a jammed impeller may be to blame. You should call an expert immediately to clear the jam before your sump pump fails. 

If your sump pump produces a gurgling sound, you should replace the check valve with a spring-loaded valve. Afterward, the pumped water should flow smoothly. But sometimes, the sump pump clangs due to heavy vibration. You can insulate the pump's pipes with foam rubber or put rubber grommets beneath the pump's lid to dampen the clanging noise. 

A wrong discharge pipe placement can also cause discharge noises. This problem is especially common if your plumber uses many elbows during installation. These elbows can impede proper water flow. Your plumber can create a straight pathway for the pumped water, and the noises will decrease. As a result, your sump pump will run more efficiently. 

2. Constant Running

Typically, a sump pump should only run when water in the sump pit reaches a certain level. So, when your sump pump constantly runs (even in the drier seasons), you should act quickly. If left alone, the sump pump can become overwhelmed and break down. 

A sump pump can also run non-stop due to a defective float switch. If the switch gets entangled in the pump's electrical cord or the basin wall blocks it, the sump pump goes on an overdrive. You may need to invest in a new unit once this problem occurs.

A faulty check valve can also cause your sump pump to run constantly. The check valve prevents reverse flow when the sump pump stops running. If the check valve is missing or damaged, pumped water flows back into the sump pit and triggers a rapid pump cycle. Replace a missing or worn-out check valve to restore the normal running of your sump pump. 

If your sump pump exhibits these signs, call an experienced plumber for diagnosis and repair. Failure to take prompt action will result in sump pump failure and force you to replace your unit altogether. To learn more, contact a plumbing service.


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Thank Your Plumbers — For Real!

When you have a plumber come work on your home, we hope you thank them. Really, you should be thanking any contractor who works on your home, but we are a little partial to plumbers and happen to think they deserve a little more recognition. After all, the stuff inside the pipes they work on doesn't usually smell very good. And even though they wear gloves, they have to get pretty close to it! If you would like to learn a little more about plumbers, then we invite you to read this blog. After learning the basics, you'll really want to thank your plumbers!

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