April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring headaches and worry for a lot of homeowners, especially those who have experienced flooding in their basements. For many homeowners, the floodwaters are kept at bay by a trusty sump pump, but it can be a little intimidating that that sump pump is all that stands between you and many inches of water in your basement. Your best line of defense is to understand and watch out for the warning signs that your sump pump might be getting ready to fail.
It’s Making Strange Noises
You likely know what your sump pump sounds like when it is running, and in most homes it is quiet enough to be barely noticeable. If your sump pump starts making a lot of noise or weird sounds that it hasn’t before, that is a clue that something is wrong. The most likely outcome is that the sump pump may only need slight repairs, rather than a full replacement. Call a plumber to come out and check it out now, before it fails during a storm and you have a huge mess to clean up.
It’s Working Less Efficiently
If your pump is running a lot or running but only removing the water very slowly, this is likely a sign that it needs some sort of maintenance. Like any other appliance, your sump pump needs love and care to keep it in its best condition. Having a plumber or technician come out to check on the pump every so often is a good idea to make sure it keeps running efficiently.
It’s Not Removing Water
If your sump pump is not removing water, you clearly have an issue. The most common way people notice this is when they start having wetness in the basement again. If you’re being proactive, however, you could notice this before it even starts flooding. Check the drain pipe where the sump pump drains during rain events to see if it is pumping out water. If it is pouring down and the pump isn’t draining any water, you may have an issue. You should have a plumber come out to check on it and see if there is an issue that can be repaired before you flood.
Sump Pump Questions? Call Mahon Plumbing Today!
If you still have questions regarding your home remodel and what that means for your plumbing situation, Mahon Plumbing is here to help you out. We have been serving the Baltimore area and beyond since 1994. We have the experience in our trained professionals to compliment our spectacular service. Feel free to give us a call at our Baltimore location at 410-766-8566 or our Pasadena location at 410-636-7944. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, please do not hesitate to follow us on Facebook or Twitter.