3 Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Replacing

All the snow is melting. Yes, we may get another snowfall or two before we can officially deem winter over, but no matter what, snow is melting. All that spring melt makes a compelling case for a working sump pump. But how do you tell if yours needs to be replaced (before it actually needs to be replaced)? 

Here are 3 signs that you need to replace your sump pump:  

Strange noises 

Your sump pump should be running by now, so take some time to listen to it. Is it making a lot of noise, like rattling or grinding? Is it vibrating excessively? If so, it could mean the motor has a problem with its bearings, or an impeller (draws things in instead of out, like a propeller) may be damaged. Unfortunately, impeller damage is very challenging to restore, so it is usually best to replace the unit if you hear such noises.  

Runs all the time 

During the melt, your sump pump will most likely be running a lot, and this is a good thing. If it runs continuously without reason, there is probably a switch or a float problem. If the float arm is just stuck, or a tethered switch has become hung up on the sump basin, that can be an easy adjustment for you to make. But if you can’t see any obvious reasons for the sump to be running continuously, you may want to consider replacing it. It also might not have sufficient horsepower for the amount of water it needs to move, in which case, you will need to upgrade your unit.  

It's at the end of its lifespan 

Like everything, sump pumps have a lifespan – five to seven years on average. While it is possible to have a unit run for far longer, when you hit that 7-year mark, you should pay extra attention to any performance issues and be ready to replace your unit. If you don’t want to be caught in a potential flood, you may want to consider pre-emptively replacing your unit.  

Spring is a wonderful time of year, full of sunshine and the promise of plenty of outdoor fun. The last thing you want to do with your spring is deal with a flooded basement. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you have a functioning sump pump now!