How To Tell When Your Sump Pump Needs Replacement

A sump pump is essential if you live in a region that floods frequently. This piece of equipment helps protect your house from structural damage and costly repair expenses. Therefore, you need to have a properly functioning sump pump.

For a sump pump to remain in good working condition, you need to maintain it properly. But most homeowners forget about their sump pump. If you neglect your sump pump, it might fail, and you'd need to buy a new one. This article explains three signs that indicate when your sump pump needs replacement.

1.      Strange Noises

A sump pump produces a humming sound during normal operation. However, something may be wrong if your pump makes strange or loud sounds like guggling, a thud, rattling, or grinding. If the noise comes from the motor, the high chances are that your pump's bearings are broken. 

A rattling or grinding noise usually indicates a damaged or jammed impeller. An impeller is a fan at the bottom of your pump that draws in water from the pit. This component often gets damaged when it sucks in solid waste.

Replacing the worn-out or damaged parts of a sump pump is crucial if you notice any strange noises. However, if the damage is extensive, your plumber may advise that you get a new pump instead.

2.      Runs Constantly

Your pump should operate for a short time when water reaches a particular level to activate the float switch. Once the water goes below that level, your pump will turn off. If your pump continues running even after the water level drops, there must be a problem.

Your sump pump may constantly run if the switch detaches from the power source or becomes clogged. A wrong pump size may also cause a similar problem. Also, if your pump is too small for your pit, the pump will have to run for a longer time to drain off water. 

The check valve ensures that water doesn't flow back to your pit. If this valve is faulty, your pump will constantly run since the switch will remain activated.

3.      Visible Rust

A little rust on your sump pump is quite normal, but you may need to replace it if the rust covers most of the pump.

Rust is often caused by battery corrosion. However, rust may also be due to iron bacteria. These bacteria feed on iron and cause decolorization. Sometimes, iron bacteria may produce a gel-like substance that may block your plumbing system and your sump pump. Thankfully, iron bacteria aren't a danger to human health.  

Sump pumps need regular maintenance and repair like any other equipment in your home. Routine maintenance allows your pump to serve you for longer. To avoid problems, ask a plumbing professional to help you replace your sump pump once you notice any of these signs. 

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Often in life, it helps to go with the flow. Of course, if you are a plumber, you get to do this even more than the average person. Plumbing is, after all, all about the flow of water and re-directing the flow of water. This website is a place where we will write about plumbing and all that it entails. If you think of water flowing as you read the articles on this website, you'll find that it's quite enjoyable. You might not think that reading about toilets and drain cleaning will be a thrill, but once you get started, you'll discover the appeal.

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