A sump pump is a regularly used piece of machinery in many Normal, IL homes. Depending on the moisture present in and around your property, this equipment can be working hard every day, engaging regularly to keep basements free of standing water. Like with any machinery in regular use, excessive wear and tear of regularly used moving parts can result in breakdowns. To rectify issues caused by any faulty, worn components, book a sump pump repair service. Signs that you may need to imminently book a technician to inspect your home’s sump pump include:
1: Strange noises. Sump pumps usually make a low continuous sound, but it can sometimes make louder and more unusual sounds (often likened to “sounding like a washing machine”). If this happens, it is time to have it repaired. If the fan or impeller is making a rattling sound, it’s a sign that there’s a fault.
2: Failure to turn on. There could be many reasons why your sump pump isn’t turning on. If a sump pump fails to power up, it’s time to book sump pump repair. There could be clogs in the system, a general power failure or an issue with the pump’s float switch. The switch may be stuck in the sump’s basin. The brackets that hold the sump pump’s float switch can be broken and could also be the problem.
3: Failure to turn off. If the opposite is true and your sump cycles constantly instead of turning off, you could have a problem with the switch. Alternatively, the sump pump might not be strong enough to deal with all the water. A sump pump running continuously is typically caused by a switch problem. This can be fixed with a simple sump pump repair service. If your sump pump is too small, you may need to upgrade to a larger unit.
4: Constant vibrating. The sump pump’s impeller is responsible for drawing water into the unit. However, debris in the water can be drawn into the impeller and cause damage to internal components. If your sump pump vibrates excessively, it could indicate a damaged impeller. Unfortunately, a bent impeller cannot be repaired. It will be necessary to replace your sump impeller if it is bent.
5: Infrequent usage. Although it is a good idea to limit the use of your sump pump, infrequent usage can drastically reduce its shelf life. It is a good idea to test your sump pump frequently between heavy rains in order to identify any potential problems that a sump pump repair technician may need to resolve.
6: Visible rust. The sump pumps work with water and can therefore deal with some rust. Your sump pump could have rust due to a corroded battery, bacteria, or a blockage in the plumbing. Your sump pump should be repaired immediately if you find rust during an inspection.
7: Motor problems. Motor failure could be due to damaged wiring, a device that was unplugged or a trip to the circuit breaker. An extension hose or filter that isn’t able to drain water properly could cause a failed motor. Any motor issues require investigation.
8: There is no water in the sump pit. Sump pump repair is necessary if your sump is not working properly and there is no water in it. If your sump has a dry, running pit, it could be a sign that the sump was not properly installed or isn’t correctly connected to the drainage system.
9: Tripped circuits. When operating normally, a sump pump shouldn’t trip the circuit breaker. The sump pump could trip the circuit breaker frequently if there is a defective switch, insufficient power, or damaged wiring. A licensed plumber can diagnose the exact problem.
10: Old age. Your sump isn’t designed to last as long as some major appliances, such as a furnace or water heater. Typically, an indicator that you need to book sump pump repair or replacement is if you know the unit is coming towards the end of its expected lifespan. It’s considered time for a new sump if it is 7 years or older.
Four Benefits of Installing a New Sump Pump
- Avoid flooding damage. Sump pumps can handle small-scale water build-up but are not as effective during large-scale flooding. You could experience flooding up to a foot if your basement floods due to torrential rains and you don’t have a working sump pump to drain water. If you keep valuables in your basement, this could prove disastrous.
- Reducing mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow in basements where stagnant water and constant dampness is present. This can not only cause damage to building materials and other goods, but can also lead to health problems if sump pump repairs are not kept up to date and a new pump is not installed when necessary.
- Increase property values. It may seem obvious, but a home in Normal, IL with a fully functioning sump pump has added value. A sump pump prevents the possibility of water damage and increases home worth.
- Lower fire risk. Flooding is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Any appliances, such as washing machines or heating systems, can short-circuit if water builds up in the basement. Sump pumps can protect appliances from water damage, as well as electrical fires that may result from such damage.
How Faulty Installation Affects Your Sump Pump!
Incorrect installation can result in multiple sump pump repair calls. An improper installation can cause a variety of problems for a sump pump. Indicators of a dodgy installation include the motor running but no water being pumped through and the pump becoming overwhelmed by air pressure.
The solution: Rely on experts from Covenant Plumbing to install your sump pump in Normal, IL. Our technicians can also inspect any pump that may have been installed elsewhere in your home, to ensure that it’s properly connected to pipes and waterproofing systems, as well as complete necessary sump pump repair.
