A sump pump is a home’s most important defense against flooding, but, just like everything else, it can sometimes malfunction. In this article we will guide you through a variety of possible problems for which you will need a reputable sump pump repair professional in Normal, IL. We will also give you some tips to help you troubleshoot your sump pump, which will make finding the right professional much easier, resulting in a faster repair, and the return of your peace of mind. Let’s get started.
Because of the importance of a fully functioning sump pump to prevent your Normal, IL home from flooding, it is important to know when it may be malfunctioning. These are some of the most common issues you might encounter.
The Sump Pit Is Completely Dry
When your sump pump doesn’t seem to be collecting any water in the sump pit, even though the pump itself seems to be working, it may be due to a faulty installation. In most cases, a dry sump pit will point to it not being adequately connected to your home’s drainage system, which, in essence, renders the sump pump useless. If this is your case, you should contact a sump pump repair company as soon as possible in order to have the problem corrected right away.
Your Pump’s Switch Has Stopped Working
One of the most common reasons that sump pump repair techs cite for a sump pump’s switch failure is clogging. This happens due to debris and dirt that have settled in the sump pit. One of the easiest ways to avoid this situation is simply keeping the sump pit free from anything that could clog the switch. In any case, if the switch has completely broken, a sump pump repair tech will replace it and your system will start working again.
No Power Is Reaching Your Pump
If your electricity is still on, and yet your sump pump is not getting any power, the usual reason is that it has become disconnected somehow. A sump pump repair technician can repair this problem quickly and recommend a backup battery for those cases in which your power goes out during a storm or under other conditions.
The Water in the Discharge Line Has Frozen
Because your sump pump usually discharges water to the outside of your home, it is quite normal for it to freeze during winter. However, there are several solutions that a professional sump pump repair technician can propose in order to stop this from happening, including the installation of a special line attachment, which can be quickly installed by an expert
Your Pump Was Not Installed Correctly
One of the biggest problems with trying to install a sump pump in your home by yourself is that it is highly likely you will do it incorrectly. Whether you failed to stabilize the pump, or your connections are less than perfect, a shoddily installed sump pump can become quite a headache, especially when you need it to perform its job during a storm. It is imperative that you call a professional sump pump repair service in order to have your pump reinstalled the right way, or you could end up with a flooded house and a catastrophically damaged pump.
You Purchased the Wrong Pump
Sometimes it can happen that you’ve purchased the wrong sump pump, which can result in malfunctions or just not removing water from your home. Another possibility is that your pump has a factory defect, which means that something went wrong during the manufacturing process, and it doesn’t work. In either case a professional repair service will help you either find the right sump pump for your needs, or verify whether the warranty is still active.
Your Pump Is Making Weird Noises
It is normal for your sump pump to make a low humming noise when it is working. But when this sound becomes too loud, or you start hearing loud clanging or banging noises, it could signify that something has become loose and you are going to have to call in a professional technician to resolve the issue. Even worse, if your sump pump is making grinding or screeching noises, it could be letting you know that something is stuck, which requires an expert to repair. Letting the problem fester can result in catastrophic damage to your pump, and costly repairs you have not planned for.
Never Try to Repair the Problem Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is trying to fix a sump pump problem on their own. While it is understandable that they want to save some money by attempting a repair, the truth of the matter is that you can make mistakes that could completely ruin your system, leading you to have to invest a lot more money to buy a whole new sump pump. That, of course, does not even factor in the danger of attempting to repair your pump when you are not specifically trained to do so, which could result in electric shock, and even the loss of a limb. So, no matter how tempted you are to look for a video online with instructions on how to perform a repair, the job is always done best when left in the hands of the licensed professionals.
One of the things you should always ensure is that your Normal, IL home’s sump pump is always in good working order, especially when you live in an area that is prone to flooding. If you are in doubt about its current state, or you know for a fact it has fallen into disrepair, do not hesitate to give Covenant Plumbing a call for sump pump repair. Our many years of experience in the sump pump repair business will ensure we can get your home’s defense against floods up and running in no time at all. So, don’t wait any longer, and pick up your phone to dial our number today!
