Sump Pump 101: 3 Telltale Signs You Need A New One

Construction & Contractors Blog

A sump pump is a necessity for many homeowners. After all, a sump pump is designed to pump away excess water so that your basement doesn't become flooded. If you are like most people, you probably don't give your sump pump much thought. At least, that is until it stops working properly. Luckily, you can identify any issues with your sump pump fairly easily if you just know what to look for.

So what are some signs that your sump pump is failing? Here are three telltale signs:

1. It's Loud

A sump pump should not be very loud when it's working properly. While you might hear some noise coming from the machine, it shouldn't be loud. Most sump pumps make a quiet humming sound while operating, but that's it. If your sump pump begins to emit loud or odd noises, chances are good that it has an issue. Loud noises could be a sign that your machine has a burnt bearing. If you hear a rattling noise, your sump pump may have a loose part or something jammed inside. Regardless, if your machine is making loud or odd noises you should have it examined.

2. Rust

Another sign that your sump pump is in distress is rust. A sump pump in good working order should be clean without any visible signs of rust or discoloration. If you notice that your system is beginning to rust, it could be caused by corrosion from the battery. It could also be caused by standing water. In other cases, what appears to be rust might simply be iron bacteria that has formed due to high levels of iron in the water it pumps. While not as serious as rust, iron bacteria can cause issues with your sump pump – most commonly a clog.

3. Excessive Vibrating

Finally, excessive or constant vibrating is another sign that your sump pump is failing. When working properly, your sump pump shouldn't vibrate at all. If it is vibrating, chances are good that there is an issue within the mechanics of your sump pump. It could be caused by loose objects inside the machine. It could also be caused by imbalanced impellers, which are what rotate to suck in the water. Regardless, vibrating isn't a good sign and should be looked at immediately.

As you can see, there are several signs that your sump pump is about to fail. Luckily, you can easily identify when your sump pump is failing by paying attention to the signs it gives you. If you do notice any of these signs, contact a sump pump installation professional immediately, as you will likely need to have a new one installed quickly to prevent basement flooding.

11 March 2017