What Are the 5 Signs That I Need a New Sump Pump?
A mechanical device like any other, your sump pump will eventually wear out. The typical high quality sump pump should provide you approximately ten years of protection. Before that happens, you may notice when the end has come, because your sump pump runs only when needed – and may not be needed for weeks at a time.
So, how can you prevent sump pump failure? Here are 5 things to watch for:
1. Pedestal-style pump: –
These are the Model T’s of sump pumps. They were the early favorites, but now they’re pretty antiquated. A pedestal pump sits above the water in your sump basin on a tall, narrow pipe. It usually has a hollow-ball float switch with a long shaft. They can be noisy, and can easily tip over. In addition, they are not as solidly built as today’s standard submersible pumps. If you still have one of these, do yourself a favor, and replace it.
2. Frequent On-Off:
If your pump is cycling on and off frequently, even in heavy rains, there is probably something wrong. It might be as simple as an incorrectly float switch. If this is to corrected it will cause your pump’s motor to burn out prematurely! Frequent cycling may also indicate that your sump basin is too small for the volume of water it handles, causing the water to reach high level very quickly.
3. Not Turning on When Needed:
Typically, this is a result of a stuck float switch.These switches that float to the side of the pump are prone to hanging up on your sump basin. Vertical floats with the plastic brackets frequently break and the vibrations from tn improperly installed pump may push any float switch against the side of the basin. Of course, this can also mean that your pump has lost its will to live. However, try freeing the float switch first.
4. Long Run Times:
Listen to your pump the next time it kicks on. If it runs for an unusually long time – several minutes – it probably means that your sump pump is underpowered, either for the volume of water it is required to handle or the distance it must pump it. Sump pump capacity is rated for the number of gallons per minute at a certain “head height.” The distance that the water travels from the pump’s output to the point where it exits your house, is the “head height.” If either is exceeded, the pump will run continuously.
5. Lots of Noise:
A low hum is all you should hear from your sump pump when it’s running, and maybe, a very faint “thump” when it stops. If the motor noise from your sump pump is excessive, the motor probably has a burnt bearing or two. If so, its then on its way to sump pump heaven. Rattling or grinding noised may also mean a jammed or damaged impeller – the fan on the bottom that pulls the water into the sump pump – another bad sign!
So what if you see these signs in your home? Probably it is time for a new sump pump, unless you prefer to roll the dice on your current one during one of those “100-year storms” of the century.
As Knieses Plumbing, we’ve installed hundreds of sump pump since our founding in 1957, throughout middle Bucks County. If you see any of these signs that your sump pump is on its way out, or if your just not certain, get in touch with us. Our advice is always free.