What would you do if your basement was flooded? A sump pump failure can happen to anyone, so you should know how to prevent a flood and how to fix your sump pump if it fails.
Sump pumps help keep the water away from your house by moving the water pumps away from your house.
Here are some of the most common signs there might be a problem with your sump pump:
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1. Strange Noise
If you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump, it could mean that it is malfunctioning. This can lead to more serious and costly problems down the line. Common strange noises include:
- humming
- grinding
- gurgling
- squealing
If you hear any of these noises coming from your sump pump, you should inspect the malfunctioning part and have it serviced as soon as possible. Ignoring these noises can lead to costly water damage, flooding, and mold down the line. To avoid these risks, you should call these licensed plumbers to have it inspected and serviced when necessary.
2. Overflowing Sump Pit
An overflowing sump pit is a tell-tale sign of sump pump failure. This occurs when the sump pump is unable to keep up with the amount of incoming water, causing it to overflow and create a big mess. The sump pit should never be full, indicating water has been building up rather quickly, and the pump should be inspected and serviced.
If not much water is making its way into the pit, the pump might be clogged and require disassembly and cleaning. There could also be a wiring issue causing the pump to be under power. A skilled technician should be able to investigate the pump and fix the underlying issue.
3. Lack of Water Flow
One indication of sump pump failure is a lack of water flow. This is a sign that the sump pump is not completely draining the water from the basin. As the pump begins to wear out, the impeller may become clogged and it may not be able to move water through the pipe as fast as it should.
If you notice that the water is not draining out at a normal rate, it may be time to replace the pump. A sump pump that is not working properly can lead to other issues such as flooding, foundation problems, and the potential for mold growth.
4. Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker may indicate that the sump pump is not getting a consistent and/or proper flow of electrical energy. If the pump is not receiving enough power, it could cause it to overheat, malfunction, or even outright fail. If a circuit breaker is tripped, it’s important to identify and deal with the cause right away.
Often, the tripped circuit breaker will be labeled “sump pump” and this can provide an immediate indication of the cause of the issue. It may be due to faulty wiring, a disconnected or loose wire, or even a surge or spike in electrical energy.
Learn How to Identify a Sump Pump Failure
In conclusion, if a sump pump is not working correctly, it is important to identify why. Step one is to identify the problem. Is there loose wiring, a clogged impeller, or a worn bushing?
Once a sump pump failure is identified, a homeowner can have it fixed or replaced by a professional. Take action now and save the expense of a water-damaged basement.
For more informative articles aside from dealing with a noisy sump pump or if your sump pump failing, visit our blog.