A sump pump is an essential piece of equipment for any house. It ensures that your basement stays dry when there’s rain or floods. If the water is not removed in time, it will cause structural damage to your property, which will cost you both money and time. Well, that is why you must ensure that your sump pump is in perfect working condition. If you’re not sure what potential problems to look out for, here are 9 signs you need a sump pump replacement.
1. There’s Excessive Vibration
The impellers in a sump pump can get bent or damaged when it sucks up hard debris. An impeller is a mechanism that pulls materials toward it. Thus, its function is the exact opposite of that of a propeller. An impeller is perfectly balanced, which minimizes wear on the pump’s shaft. So, the impeller will begin to wobble if it gets bent. This wabbling will cause excessive vibration in the pump. Your best bet, in this case, is to replace your sump pump.
2. It Makes an Unfamiliar Noise
Has your sump pump been making a sound that you’ve never heard before? Well, that may be because the bearing in your pump has failed. However, it could also mean that the impeller is damaged or jammed. More often than not, an unfamiliar noise from your sump pump is terrible news. So, don’t waste any time investigating what the problem is.
3. It Runs 24/7
Your sump pump shouldn’t be running all the time. If it does, that means that there’s a problem with the switch. This could mean that there’s a problem with the connection between the switch and its primary power source.
Typically, this problem occurs when the sump pump shifts in the basic. As a result, the float will not operate effectively. The float in the sump pump ensures that the switch operates correctly. So, an issue with either will cause the pump to run all the time. It will be difficult for your sump pump to handle the water load if it’s working 24/7.
4. It’s Not Being Used As Often As It Should
While your sump pump shouldn’t be running all the time, it should still be used frequently. The sump pumps’ shelf life will reduce if it’s not used as often as possible. Therefore, you should test it regularly to ensure that everything is operating correctly. It’s also a good practice to make a note of every time you test it. This way, you’ll know when a potential problem emerges.
5. It Cycles Irregularly
During heavy rains, the best sump pumps should not switch off and on sporadically. A common cause of this problem is that the float switch is not adjusted correctly. An improper adjustment will cause the pump to turn on even when there are a few inches of water in the basin.
Another cause of this problem is that there’s a malfunction in the wiring. A short in the pump’s electrical system will cause irregular cycling in your device.
6. There’s Visible Rust on the Device
Bacteria can cause some discoloration on your sump pump a few years after you install it. This bacteria is commonly known as Iron Bacteria because it feeds off the iron in the water. In the best-case scenario, this process will only cause discoloration on the device. However, the worst case is that it can cause a gel-like substance to form around the pump. This substance can then can clog the sump pump, which, in turn, will restrict the water flow int the drainage system.
A visible brown color on your sump pump doesn’t always mean that’s something wrong, however. The discoloration may also be due to corroded battery terminals. If you’re unsure what’s causing this brown color on your sump pump, you can hire a professional to examine it.
7. Its Motor Stops Working
An electrical problem inside the sump pump may cause the motor to stop working. In this case, it will not work even your pump gets electrical power to the unit. A common cause of this problem is that the device threw a fuse. So, it’s best to check that before anything else.
This problem may also occur during the winter. In some extreme climates, the hose may freeze and clog in the process. Therefore, this clog may prevent water flow, which, in turn, will force the motor to work at an output level that’s higher than usual. So, this may cause the motor to burnout and stop working as a result.
8. Your Pump Is Older than Seven Years
One of the most obvious signs that you need a sump pump replacement is that the device is just too old. Sump pumps have a total life cycle of about seven years if you ensure to maintain them properly. So, it would be best if you replace it after that point.
9. It Runs For Long Periods
As mentioned before, the best sump pumps should not be running all the time. There’s an underlying problem if it’s even working for long stretches at a time. One common reason for this issue is insufficient horsepower. This means your sump pump can’t handle the volume of water in the system or cover the distance it needs to with ease. Therefore, even though your sump pump may be functional, it’s not the correct size for your home. So, you will need to replace it.
To pick the correct sump pump for your home, you must determine the size of the layout and pipes along with the sump pump itself. A sump pump that needs to pull water up vertical or winding fixtures will need more power. Make sure to keep the plumbing fixtures in mind when determining the size of the pump for your home.
Last Few Words
Now that you know of the 9 signs you need a sump pump replacement, it’s time to inspect your sump pump. Keep a checklist with you and regularly examine your pump for potential problems. If you find a problem, get in touch with a professional right away.
