Tag Archives: replacing a sump pump

Needing a Sump Pump Replacement? Here is What you Need to Know

a new sump pump.

Sump pumps are your home’s last line of defense against basement flooding. Sump pumps let you go to sleep at night without fear of waking up to a flooded basement in the morning. Even when you are away from your home, the sump pump dutifully watches over your prized possession, your home.

This is why Legacy Realty & Management advises it is vital to care for your sump pump and ensure it is always in good condition. There is no worse scenario than for a sump pump to fail without the homeowner knowing it. If this happens, the issues with the sump pump may only be discovered after your home gets flooded.

A flooded basement completely defeats the purpose of having a sump pump in your home. But the truth is that sump pumps rarely fail without giving some warning signs. Most times, the homeowner’s failure to see or respond to those signs results in a flooding incident in their basement.

Knowing the warning signs of an impending sump pump can save you money and anguish. What are those signs? The 12 signs below are what you need to look out for to know when it is time to replace your sump pump.

sump pump.

12 signs it is time to replace your sump pump

  • Strange noises from the sump pump

Sump pumps make a humming sound when they are working. But it is abnormal for a sump pump to hum loudly or make grinding and rattling noises. Mechanical issues cause those kinds of sounds.

  • Excessive vibration when running

The sump pump will vibrate excessively if the impeller is damaged or out of balance. This can cause the pump to wobble, increasing the wear rate on its components and making it more susceptible to future problems.

  • The sump pump runs continuously

The sump pump on/off mechanism depends on the smooth operation of the float arm and switch. Undetected float/switch issues can force a pump to run without stopping. This will weaken the sump pump, making it unable to handle the water load it is designed to.

  • Irregular cycling

Irregular cycling is when the intervals between when the sump pump switches on and when it switches off are too short. This problem is often caused by an incorrectly adjusted float switch or internal wiring problems. Irregular cycling will overwork the pump and cause it to wear out fast.

  • The sump pump runs too long

If a sump pump runs longer than it should, it is often because it is too small for the home or the distance it must pump the water is too far. If the right factors are not considered when buying/installing the pump, it could lead to sump pump failure.

  • The sump pump is dormant

In the same way that overworking your sump pump can damage it, under-utilizing it can also affect its efficiency. Failing to use the sump pump regularly can halve its life. This can be avoided by keeping a calendar to remind you to test the sump pump regularly.

  • The sump pump is getting stuck

If the motor always runs out during operation, it could be that the sump pump is sucking up debris. If the sump pump is not cleaned and a filter installed to keep out the dirt, the rubbish inside the sump pump will shorten its life.

  • Dead sump pump motor

Various issues can lead to sump pump motor failure. Internal wiring problems may cause the motor to burn. Clogs inside the sump pump or a frozen discharge hose can also result in backflow. This will push the motor to run at a higher output, resulting in burnout.

  • Frequent power outages

Power surges and frequent power outages can damage vulnerable components inside a sump pump. If your area suffers from this problem, perhaps, due to frequent thunderstorms, you may want to get a battery-powered auxiliary sump pump.

  • The sump pump is rusted

Visible signs of rust mean it is time to replace your sump pump. If discoloration and rust are caused by bacteria feeding on the iron inside the water, this process can also create a gel-like substance that will clog the sump pump and plumbing.

  • The sump pump is over seven years

Most sump pumps are ready for replacement after their seventh year. If your sump pump is approaching or past the end of the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan, replacing it is a good idea. An old sump pump may fail at the worst possible time.

  • The builder installed the sump pump

brand new sump pump.

Flooding can happen in a new construction home, even with a sump pump. This is because most building contractors are not basement waterproofing experts, and to save costs; they will often not install the right sump pump in the home. 

If, after going through this list, you are still trying to figure out the status of your sump pump or you need help choosing the right sump pump, we can help you evaluate the condition of your current sump pump or guide you in installing a new one.

Sump Pumps: Last Line Of Defense For Spring Flooding

sump pump maintenance.

Sump Pumps: Last Line Of Defense For Spring Flooding

Spring is the time of the year when there is the most number of incidents of flooding in homes. That’s because as the snow melts and rainfall increases, the large volumes of runoff created and rising groundwater often overwhelm the flood prevention system in homes.

The result is that more homes experience flooding in spring than at any other time of the year. But the TrustArt Realty Team advises there are steps homeowners can take to protect their houses from spring flooding. These measures include a range of steps that can be taken inside or outside the home:

  • Sealing cracks and leaks in walls, floors and foundations to prevent water infiltration.
  • Keeping gutters and downspouts free of debris.
  • Ensuring downspouts are draining at a proper distance from the foundation.
  • Proper grading of the soil around the home to make sure it slopes away from the building.
  • Ensuring that swales, French drains and catch basins are well-maintained.
  • Keeping the main sewer line clog-free to prevent backflow of wastewater into the home.

These steps should be your home’s first line of defense against flooding. They drastically reduce the home’s exposure to the risk of spring flooding. But they do not eliminate the risk. If there is a severe storm or a river overflows, it is still possible that your home will get flooded.

This is why your home needs a failsafe system to serve as its last line of defense against spring flooding. This system should automatically kick in when all your other safeguards fail. For most homes, the measure that has proven the most effective in this regard is a sump pump.

a flooded basement.

Sump pumps; how they work and why your home needs one

Unlike the other flood-protection methods listed above – all of which try to keep water out of your home – a sump pump operates on a different idea – it works to get water out of your home. While the other methods are preventative, the sump pump is corrective.

Sump pumps ensure that if runoff or groundwater ever finds its way into your home, the water is removed before it can do any harm. Sump pumps operate in a worst-case scenario; they assume that flooding will happen in your home at some point, and they work to protect the home.

How do sump pumps work? Sump pumps are made of several components which work together to keep a flooding incident inside your home’s basement from becoming a disaster. The main elements of the sump pump system are:

  • A sump basin; usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide.
  • A submersible or pedestal pump with a motor that can come in a range of sizes.
  • A float switch which automatically turns the pump on when it detects water.
  • A check valve to prevent backflow and short cycling.
  • A strainer basket to catch debris and keep it from entering the motor.

When the water inside the sump basin rises to a predetermined level, the float switch activates the pump. The water is pumped out of the basement and carried to a safe location, away from the house. When the water inside the pit is sufficiently low, the float switch will turn off the pump.

How to make sure your sump pump never fails

Sump pumps are not a system you can set and forget. If you don’t understand this, you may wake up one day to the sad sight of a flood inside your basement. To help the sump pump play its role as your home’s last line of defense against spring flooding, you should do the following:

Test the sump pump 

Periodically test the sump pump to ensure its automatic function is working. Testing a sump pump is as simple as pouring water into the sump pit until the float rises and the motor kicks in. Watch to see if the sump pump turns off after the water is pumped out.

an alarm system.

Install a sump pump alarm system 

There are different types of sump pump alarm systems. Some alarm systems make a loud noise to warn you of problems, while others send emails and text messages. Some alarm systems only monitor water levels in the pit, but others are more advanced.

Install a battery backup pump system 

Because it is connected to your home’s electricity supply, the sump pump will not work if there is a power outage. Blackouts often happen when you need the sump pump most – during storms. A battery-powered backup system can save you in these situations.

Replace your sump pump 

Sump pumps should be replaced every 7-10 years. But this also depends on how much maintenance the pump gets and the volume of water it handles. If you maintain the sump pump on a schedule, it will be easy to detect signs of impending failure before it happens.

Lastly, you want to have proper flood insurance. Weather patterns around the world are changing because of climate change. Even if you think your home is not at risk of flooding, adequate flood insurance will give you peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.

7 Signs It’s Time For A Sump Pump Replacement

a sump pump replacement

A functional sump pump is your first defense against flooding in the basement or other low-lying areas of your house. The sump pump makes it possible to know that your home is safe from flood damage even when you are away from the property, explains RedSail Property Management. It relieves you of the need to watch for signs of impending floods.

That is why it is vital to ensure your sump pump is always in good shape. As far as basement flooding is concerned, there is no worse scenario than to think your home is protected by a sump pump only to wake up to a flood inside the house. Sadly, this happens often, and most times, it is due to a sump pump failure that the homeowner failed to detect.

Sump pumps fail for several reasons. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as a stuck float that fails to activate the sump pump switch. Other times, it could be due to a frozen/clogged discharge line or improper maintenance of the pump by the owner. Lastly, your sump pump is also likely to fail if it has reached the end of its useful life.

Many homeowners have no clue how long the sump pump in their home is supposed to last, so they keep using the machine long after it has passed its expiration date. The problem with doing that is a sump pump that is past its replacement date becomes increasingly unstable. The machine is going to lose efficiency, and it is also more likely to fail.

How do you know when it is time to replace the sump pump in your home?

7 signs it is time to replace your sump pump

Before we talk about how to know when it is time to replace your sump pump, let’s discuss how long a sump pump should last. On average, you should expect 7-10 years of service out of your sump pump. But how long the machine lasts depends on the quality of installation and maintenance, the rate of use, how much water it has to displace, and the average runtime.

If your sump pump is over seven years – nearing its 10th year – it is a good idea to replace it. A new sump pump does not cost a lot, but the damage that can happen if that old sump pump fails will cost you tens of thousands of dollars to fix. In addition to the age of the system, here are the other signs that it is time to replace your sump pump.

Excessive vibration when running

Sump pump impellers are balanced to minimize stress on the shaft when they spin. A bent or damaged impeller will wobble and cause the entire pump to vibrate. It places pressure on the shaft and predisposes the sump pump to fail.

The motor won’t stop running

The sump pump will run continuously if it handles more water than it should. Your home’s sump pump should be carefully chosen to match the volume of water that enters the basement. If a sump pump runs continuously, it is too small for your home.

The sump pump doesn’t power on

Common reasons a sump pump might fail to come on are; issues with the float, a broken switch, loss of power, or a damaged motor. The pump motor will get damaged if the machine sucks up a lot of sediment.

Strange noises from the sump pump

During normal functioning, a sump pump should only emit a low hum. If the sump pump produces anything higher than a low hum, it is because the sump pump has damaged or worn parts.

Frequently cycles on and off

When a sump pump cycles on and off frequently, it is usually because the sump basin is too small for the volume of water coming into the basement. The motor may burn if the sump pump frequently cycles on and off.

Visible rust on the sump pump

Pay attention to rust-colored marks on the body of a sump pump. They could be a sign of corrosion on the sump pump battery terminals. It could also signify that iron bacteria are active in the water and interfering with the sump pump.

You need a backup system

If your area sees a lot of flooding and thunderstorms are bad enough to knock out the power, you may want to invest in a second sump pump. A secondary pump with a built-in battery backup system will protect your home if the primary sump pump loses power.

If you are thinking of replacing your sump pump, when is the best time to do it? It is best to replace sump pumps in early spring, early fall, or winter. Waiting until the middle of spring will leave you with higher costs. If you see any sign that it is time to replace the sump pump, you ought to do it today.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sump Pump

As a rule, sump pumps don’t get a lot of attention. They are part of the forgotten components of your home’s plumbing system. We only pay any attention to sump pumps when they stop working. In other words, most homeowners will wait until they have a flood in the basement before they realize their sump pump is no longer functioning.

That defeats the whole purpose of having a sump pump in your basement. Sump pumps are installed in the home for the unique reason that you do not want to wake up to a flooded basement. But as T-Square Properties warns, that is what you will get if the sump pump fails without your knowledge. To avoid this situation, always keep the sump pump ready.

Even if a sump pump has kept your home dry in the past, it is no reason to believe it will continue to do so into the future. Sump pumps may fail without warning. At times, you may have to replace a functional sump pump. That becomes necessary when the pump begins to show signs of failure, and you are afraid it might fail at the worst possible time.

How long do sump pumps last?

Sump pumps last between 7 and 10 years, depending on several factors. Some of the things that influence the performance and lifespan of a sump pump include; the frequency of usage, how long it works during each cycle, and the volume of water it displaces. Sumps pumps that see a lot of use will naturally wear out faster than those you use infrequently.

However, this is not the only factor that determines the lifespan of your sump pump. The quality of care the sump pump receives is a tremendous factor in its longevity. A sump pump that sees heavy use will outlast one you use less often if the heavily used one gets more attention than the other one. How do you know your sump pump is malfunctioning, and it is time to replace your sump pump?

There are five things you should look at to make this decision. If more than one of these problems applies to your sump pump, it is time to replace it. Even if you can fix a problematic sump pump, the cost of those repairs will often be enough to get you a new sump pump. Moreover, a sump pump you recently fixed may still fail you when you need it most.

Five signs it is time to replace your sump pump.

The sump pump is old

Although you would like your sump pump to last a decade, the truth is it might not. More sump pump failures are due to aging than from any other cause. That is because if a sump pump has worked well in the past, homeowners tend to expect it to keep working in the future. As a result, they do not pay enough attention to the sump pump until they deal with costly flood damage in their basement.

The sump pump runs constantly

Sump pumps automatically power up when the sump pit fills with water and goes off after discharging the water. You have a serious problem if your sump pump comes on but doesn’t go off. A sump pump that is running without water will overheat very fast. Sump pumps may act this way if there is a fault with the float switch, check valve, or the pump is too small for the basin.

The sump pump is clogged

Sump pumps handle a certain amount of debris in the water that flows through them. But a sump pump can be overwhelmed if there is too much sediment in the water. If this happens, the sump pump’s impeller fan blades can jam. The pump inlet and discharge line may also get clogged. Iron ochre in water will also clog the sump pump. All these interfere with the performance of your sump pump and damage it.

The sump pump works erratically

If a sump pump works for too long and then in short sporadic bursts, you have a problem. A constant eruption of activity from your sump pump means water isn’t making it to the discharge line. The pump is simply cycling the same water over and over again. A sump pump will do this if the float valve has failed, there is loose wiring, or the pump doesn’t have enough horsepower to do its job.

The sump pump is noisy 

A certain amount of noise is usual when your sump pump is working. But if the sump pump roars when it works, makes rattling noises, or you can hear the sound of metal against metal and gurgling noises from the equipment, you have a problem. Excessive noise from a sump pump could be due to a damaged impeller, malfunctioning backflow valves, or improper installation.