Sump Pump SOS: Know the Warning Signs
It’s that time of the year where people are extra particular about their sump pumps, especially when it’s raining. You want to ensure this important piece of equipment is in tip-top shape so it can keep your home dry. What should you keep an eye out for? Keep reading and find out the signs it’s time for a new sump pump.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is “a cylindrical drain pump device placed in a pit dug at the lowest point of your house, like a crawl space or basement, to help prevent flooding, water damage, and mold. The device removes water from that lowest point, as well as the soil below, forcing it out and into a separate draining space.”
Its main purpose is to drain the groundwater outside the walls of your basement and serves to keep your basement dry and free of a costly flood.
Some sump pumps will run regularly, others hardly at all depending on the soil that surrounds your home, the slope of the ground, and the depth of the groundwater.
Signs your sump pump needs replacing
Even though the Prairies were drier than normal throughout the month of March, is always a good idea to be prepared. So, how do you tell if your sump pump is on its final leg? Look out for these three signs:
1. Makes continuous 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 water in instead of out) may be damaged. Unfortunately, impeller damage is very challenging to restore, so it is usually best to replace the unit if your impeller malfunctions.
2. Runs all the time
Your sump pump will most likely be running extensively when there is a significant amount of rain, 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 stuck, or a tethered switch has become hung up on the sump basin, that can be an easy adjustment for you to make. However, 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 water amount it needs to move, in which case, you will need to upgrade your unit.
3. It's at the end of its lifespan
Sump pumps have a lifespan, which is about seven to ten years if properly maintained. While it is possible to have a unit run for longer, when you hit about the seven-year mark, you should pay extra attention to any performance issues and be ready to replace your unit. To avoid a potential flood and costly mess, you may want to consider pre-emptively replacing your unit.
Spring is a wonderful time of year where we look forward to soaking up the sun and the mild temperatures. The last thing you want to do is deal with a flooded basement. That’s why it is so important to make sure you have a functioning sump pump now.
Like any essential home equipment, maintaining your sump pump is key to ensure it works properly when they need to. If you have questions, or concerns, give the Action team a call.