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Expert Tips for a Smooth and Successful Sump Pump Replacement Process

sump pump replacement process.

The time eventually comes when you need to replace the sump pump in your basement with a new one. Sometimes, the reason for wanting to do this is that the old sump pump no longer works. It could also be that although your current sump pump still works, the issues with it have become too frequent.

Whatever your reason for wanting a new sump pump, this process should not be a simple matter of buying a new pump to replace the existing one. As KRS Holdings an Alexandria property management company says the period of sump pump replacement is the best time to assess your sump pump system’s performance and reexamine your home’s needs.

If there are any lingering issues with the sump pump system, this is the time to correct them. That is also the best time to address problems with the sump basin and other components of your sump pump system. When replacing your sump pump, assessing the entire system will help you get the most out of the new installation.

In this brief post, we explain five tips from our experts on what to do when replacing the sump pump in your home. These essential steps will ensure that you get a sump pump for your home that will give you minimal problems throughout its projected service lifetime.

Essential tips for replacing your sump pump

Know the different types of sump pumps

There are two types of sump pumps you can get for your home: a submersible pump or a pedestal pump.

  • Pedestal sump pumps are mounted on a column above the water level. They do not come into contact with the water inside the sump pit. The advantages of this type of pump are that it is cheaper and usually lasts longer. However, pedestal sump pumps are noisy, and since the pump sits above the sump basin, they are not aesthetically pleasing.
  • Submersible sump pumps are designed to be submerged inside water. You can install them within the sump basin because the motor is encased in a waterproof housing. Submersible pumps are more powerful than pedestal pumps and are not as noisy. However, they cost more than pedestal pumps and usually require more maintenance.

basement that needs a sump pump.

What to think of when choosing a sump pump for your home

You need to consider several factors to determine if a specific sump pump is the right fit for your home. These include the type of sump pump, its size, energy efficiency and cost. Homes that are prone to flooding are better served by a submersible pump. The right size of a sump pump for the home is determined by the volume of water the pump will handle. That depends on your location’s potential for flooding. When buying a new sump pump, you also want to consider the machine’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient sump pumps usually come with variable speed settings for changing water levels. Noise is another important consideration when selecting a sump pump.

Assessing and cleaning your sump pit

Firstly, it is assumed that your sump pit is designed to match your home’s needs and the size of your sump pump. If there is a mismatch between the sump pump and the sump basin, you will either overwork your sump pump or your home will be exposed to the risk of flooding (despite the presence of a sump pump). In addition to proper sizing, you want to keep the sump pit clean and odor-free. Before installing a new sump pump, get rid of any debris inside the pit and obstructions in the drainage system. Fix any damage to the basin and install a cover to keep debris out of the sump basin.

sump pump replacement cost.

Sump pump replacement cost

On average, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,200 to buy and install a new sump pump. But this price depends on whether you will be using the existing piping. Expect the cost to be higher if you plan to replace the pipework. Installing a submersible or a larger-sized sump pump is going to cost more. Other factors that can inflate your sump pump installation costs are the installation of multiple pumps (a backup system along with the primary sump pump), modification of the old piping and if you plan to make any improvements to your existing sump basin.

Installing a backup system

Consider adding a battery-powered backup sump pump system. A backup sump pump ensures that your home will stay protected even when there is a power outage. Also, if there is a problem with your primary sump pump, the backup system will keep your basement dry while you fix the main sump pump. Adding a backup sump pump means additional costs, but the benefits of the system are worth the expense.

Finally, should you replace the sump pump by yourself or should you hire an expert? You can do the installation yourself if you have experience working with plumbing systems. But to ensure the job is correct and safe, you may want to hire a professional plumber.

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.