Knowing the signs of an old or damaged sump pump will allow you to get it fixed or replaced sooner, so you don’t end up with a flooded basement.
Your sump pump is a critical line of defense against flooding in your basement. If you have one, you’ll want to make sure it’s in good working order at all times to keep water at bay and your basement floor dry. Keep tabs on your sump pump and any issues it may be having so you know when it might be time to replace your sump pump.
Always On
If your sump pump is always on, there could be a problem with the float valve, a lightweight switch that floats as water rises in the unit. If the float valve is stuck or jammed, the sump pump will just keep running even when there is no water present. At the very least, a plumber should be called in to inspect the unit and either repair or replace it depending on how badly it’s damaged, and whether or not the constant running has caused secondary problems.
Loud Noises
There are several reasons for a loud sump pump, and none of them are good. The motor could be dying, the impeller could be damaged, or the sump pump could have been incorrectly installed. A poorly installed pump can probably be fixed if caught early, but a dying motor might need to be replaced depending on the pump. A damaged impeller will either need to be repaired or replaced depending on how damaged it is and whether it has caused more damage within the pump.
Takes Forever
If your pump is taking too long to siphon out water, there could be several different culprits. One of the possible issues is that your pump could be clogged. An uncovered pump is at high risk for debris build-up, so be sure to cover it and check for clogs if it’s not draining properly. Another possibility is that your float valve is too low. If this happens, even the smallest amount of water will trigger the pump. If the pump is constantly on, or turning on and off frequently, this will lead to a motor burn-out and require a replacement of the pump. Your pump might also just not be strong enough to handle the amount of water that needs to be drained. In this case, all you can do is replace it with a higher horsepower pump.
Old Age
On average, sump pumps last 7-10 years. If you don’t know how old your sump pump is, and especially if it’s not working right, you should call a professional plumber out to see if it’s time to replace your sump pump.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you still have more questions regarding your plumbing, we here at Mahon Plumbing are here to help. We have been serving the wider Baltimore area since 1994, so we have 25 years of experience to back up our fantastic service! Call us at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. Be sure to keep up with us on social media by following us on Facebook or Twitter.