Whether it’s a waterproofing system in your basement or crawlspace, a sump pump plays a critical role in its function of keeping water out and away from your home.
But to keep your home protected your sump pump needs to run reliably and efficiently.
After working hard for so long, a sump pump may begin to exhibit symptoms of wearing down and malfunction.
Should your sump pump fail, especially during heavy rain, it can mean a wet basement or a flooded crawlspace.
But knowledge is power—by learning when it’s time to replace your sump pump, you can make sure your waterproofing system performs its job when needed.
There are also multiple kinds of sump pumps out there, some that may suit your situation better than others.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs that your sump pump may need replacing and what options are out there!
How Old Is Your Sump Pump?
Your sump pump is no different than your other home appliances—it will eventually break down after doing its job for so long. On average, a sump pump may last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
Most manufacturers’ warranties are only for one year due to the tough environment that a sump pump works in.
Regular maintenance can help keep your sump pump operating effectively throughout its lifespan. You should also test your sump pump every month. Some modern pumps have switches to run such tests.
For others, you can add water to your sump pit to activate the sump pump. This testing can help you catch any trouble signs that your sump pump may need a replacement.
Old sump pumps often exhibit signs of rust as well as wear-and-tear in the sump pump’s parts.
Read More: How To Waterproof Basement | Waterproofing Basement Walls From Inside
Is Your Sump Pump Running All the Time?
Sump pumps are designed to operate only when there’s water in the sump pit. But if your sump pump is operating frequently or your sump pump keeps running.
There’s a chance that something has gone wrong. It could be the motor, the switch of the pump could be stuck, or the check valve may be defective.
Another scenario that can make your sump pump run abnormally long is if it isn’t the right size for your sump pit.
A sump pump too small would not be able to handle all the water that the sump pit may fill with during heavy rain.
Meanwhile, a sump pump too big might do too much and run itself dry, which can lead to overheating.
Is Your Sump Pump Cycling Randomly?
If your sump pump is cycling on and off in an erratic fashion, there are several reasons why this may be happening.
As your sump pump ages, there’s always a chance for loose wiring to lead to these problems.
Loose wiring can lead to short-circuiting—be sure to have the wiring inspected to make sure this isn’t the problem.
You should also check the positioning of your float valve. When a float valve is set too low, such as to activate when there are only a few inches of water in the sump pit.
it’s possible for the sump pump to cycle on and off repeatedly. This can lead to your sump pump overworking itself, and even possibly burning out the motor.
Does Your Sump Pump Make Loud Noises While Operating?
If your sump pump is making really loud clanging and rattling sounds, there’s a good chance that the motor may be in serious trouble. While all sump pumps make some noise.
if you notice a change in the sound, the motor may be getting close to breaking down.
Here are some of the causes behind the loud noises in your sump pump:
- The motor is close to the end of its life
- The check valve may be faulty, which can lead to a gurgling kind of sound
- The impeller may be damaged or clogged, which can cause rattling, screeching, or grinding noises
Consider looking for a new sump pump if you notice any of these warning signs.
Read More: Water Leakage From Ceiling | Water Leaking From Ceiling
What Are My Options to Replace My Sump Pump?
If you haven’t replaced your sump pump in 7-10 years, you may want to consider the newer sump pumps that are on the market.
Older sump pump models are noisier, require more maintenance, and can break down faster.
But you’ll want to make sure you also get the right model for your sump pit—different sump pumps offer different pros and cons, and the size of your sump pit will also affect which sump pumps will be viable. The horsepower of the sump pump is another factor.
Let’s take a look at the different models that are out there.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps
- Submersible Sump Pumps
- Water-powered Sump Pumps
- Combination Sump Pump.
- Battery Back-Up Sump Pump
While each of these sump pumps does the same job of pumping water, they have different ways of operating. The submersible sump pump needs to be submerged in water to work.
Meanwhile, the pedestal sump pump is positioned above the sump pit so that it does not get wet.
It is highly recommended that you, have one with a battery backup. The reason for this is so that your waterproofing system continues to work, even in the event of a power outage.
This is especially important if you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall and stormy weather. The last thing you’d want is for your sump pump to fail and have your basement or crawlspace flooded.
With a battery backup, you can relax knowing that the water will keep being moved out of your home in the event of a power failure.
Have Your Sump Pump Installed the Right Way!
The success of your waterproofing system depends on your sump pump to get that water out and away from your home.
From maintenance to ensuring a proper sump pump installation, it’s highly recommended that you contact a professional basement and crawlspace, waterproofing contractor.
But there are many out there to choose from. Make sure the contractor that you select offers a strong warranty on their work, has many years of experience in waterproofing and has positive reviews to vouch for their quality. ’58 Foundations is one such waterproofing expert that you can trust!
Read More: What Is a Concrete Pump | Types of Concrete Pumps
FAQs:
Is Your Sump Pump Running All the Time?
If your sump pump is cycling on and off in an erratic fashion, there are several reasons why this may be happening. As your sump pump ages, there’s always a chance for loose wiring to lead to these problems.
Does Your Sump Pump Make Loud Noises While Operating?
If your sump pump is making really loud clanging and rattling sounds, there’s a good chance that the motor may be in serious trouble. While all sump pumps make some noise.
What Are My Options to Replace My Sump Pump?
If you haven’t replaced your sump pump in 7-10 years, you may want to consider the newer sump pumps that are on the market. Older sump pump models are noisier, require more maintenance, and can break down faster.
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