 |
| Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash |
While the rain can be a delight for your senses and mood, it can, unfortunately, wreak destruction in your homes without the right tools to prevent it. Many basements have a sump pump installed to prevent basement flooding due to rain or improper plumbing.
Sump pumps don’t have extremely long durability, with an average life expectancy of 10 years. If it hasn’t been that long since you’ve brought a sump pump and you’re wondering if it needs repairs or maintenance, here are a few signs to watch out for.
Incorrect Installation
If your pump is switched on, but there is no water in the pit, it may be improper installation. Generally, the pump is installed at the lowest place in your basement, and if that's not the case, it won't work effectively to drain the water.
If your sump pump isn't turning on properly, or you can see signs of water in your basement, it can also be due to improper installation. Consult a licensed plumber if this is the case and get it fixed promptly.
Strange Noises and Excessive Vibration
If weird noises are coming from your pump, the chances are that there is a broken or malfunctioning component within the pump. It could lead your pump to become jammed and unable to work.
Excessive vibration from your pump is generally due to debris that may have been sucked up with the water into the pump, which has damaged the impellers. If the impellers become damaged, your whole pump becomes unstable and may cause more problems down the line.
When it comes to components within the pump, consider getting the parts replaced by a professional instead of spending more money on buying a new one.
Running All the Time
If your sump pump is running all the time, even when there is no water, it could be a sign of a damaged switch. Since switches control whether your pump is on or off, a malfunctioning switch could cause your pump never to turn off or on.
When your pump keeps on running for long periods, it can cause it to wear out quicker and not handle incoming water when it needs to. To prevent this, replace the switch as soon as possible.
Visible Signs of Ageing and Rusting
Excessive rust around your pump will directly affect its functioning. When water and iron combine, it is natural to have rust form, but excessive rust will cause issues with the pump's water flow.
You can buy a special solution to clear out the rust at regular intervals. It will ensure that your pump lasts you a long time with no water flow issues.
Motor Failure
Due to a wiring problem or an electrical issue, your sump pump could completely stop working. You should check to see if all the fuses are functioning and the electricity connection is alright before calling a professional.
If you live in an area where the water cannot get drained out properly due to debris accumulation or freezing temperatures, the motor will overwork itself. If it continues doing this, it leads to motor burnout. Make sure that the water from your pump is being drained properly without any blockages.
Frequent Electricity Cuts
If you’re experiencing electricity cuts quite frequently due to the weather, it can have a direct impact on your sump pump. It can cause your motor to fail or other components to break down from the shock of being suddenly shut down.
For preventing your sump pump from shutting down, especially at a period where you're facing rainy weather and need the basement to be dry, consider investing in a backup battery. An expert can guide you in making the right backup battery choice for the pump and even installing it.
Clogged Pump and Stuck Switches
A clogged pump can slow down the speed of water drainage from the sump pit. If your pump is filtering through dirt and debris, the chances of it becoming clogged are higher.
Get regular inspections to ensure that your pump is not clogged or slow due to excessive debris or dirty components.
Entrust a Professional to Get Your Sump Pump Running Again
If you’ve had your pump for seven to eight years, it might be time to consider replacing it, as around this time, most pumps start working considerably slowly and experience a lot of breakdowns.
When you’re at a loss about what to do with it, consult a professional who can explain to you the different components and help maintain the pump. Regular inspections will ensure that your basement doesn’t get flooded any time soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Talk to me!