Buying a new sump pump is certainly not as fun as buying a new hat, a new pair of shoes, or a new kitchen table. But sometimes, it's just what you need to do to ensure your basement does not end up flooded! How can you tell that your sump pump is due for replacement? Well, you keep an eye out for the signs below.
1. The pump vibrates and makes loud noises.
Maybe your pump is still emptying water from the pit, but as it does so, it makes loud humming noises and vibrates a lot. This often happens when the impeller, which is the fan-like instrument inside the pump, gets damaged or dented. Continuing to run the pump like this could cause it to break down at any point, and then you would have a flooded basement. While broken impellers can sometimes be repaired, doing so often costs just as much as replacing the pump.
2. The pump keeps getting stuck "on."
A sump pump should turn on, keep working until the pit is nearly empty, and then turn off again. If the pump turns on and just keeps running and running, then this could indicate a problem with the motor or with the switch. A pump that continues to run and run will use up a lot of power, so you're best off replacing it ASAP.
3. You have to manually start the pump.
Sometimes a sump pump will stop kicking on by itself but will turn on if you manually trigger it to operate. This works when you're home and monitoring the water situation closely, but what if there's a rainstorm when you're out of town or at work? You need your sump pump to work when you're not around, which means it's time to replace one that only works when you turn it on manually.
4. The pump keeps tripping the circuit breaker.
If your sump pump keeps tripping the circuit breaker, see if you can take another item off that circuit. If that does not fix the problem, then you need to replace the pump. It is either shorting the line due to an electrical problem, or it draws too much power for your home's wiring to handle.
If you find yourself in need of a new sump pump, contact a plumber in your area. They can give you a quote and review your various options.
For more information, reach out to a sump pump installation service.