4 Common Signs It Is Time for a Sump Pump Replacement at Your Richmond, VA Home

11/6/2020

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Sump pumps are a popular way to deal with excess water flooding the basement. They are usually found in older homes and homes where there is sloped land behind the home forcing water to run towards the house. Water will always head towards the lowest point, which is why sump pumps have to be cleverly placed at the lowest point of your home. However, if they aren’t doing their job then water will start to build up again. This is an obvious sign that it’s time for sump pump replacement in Richmond, VA, but it is not the only sign.

There are a lot of smaller signs that also indicate it may be time for sump pump replacement, and if you are aware of them you can have your sump pump repaired or replaced before you experience a flood in your basement. Ideally, you have a plumber come out and inspect the sump pump before you end up dealing with water damage which tends to be worse once the sump pump is installed because you are no longer worrying about the potential of a flood. Here are a few of the most common signs that it’s time for sump pump replacement in Richmond, VA.

Your Sump Pump Is Making Odd Noises

It is normal for your sump pump to hum when it is operating, but you should not hear anything other than the normal hum. If you hear a banging, clicking, or grinding noise it is likely that something is worn out, damaged, or you need sump pump replacement. If the noise is very excessive then it is possible that a bearing needs replaced whereas a grinding noise might mean that something is wrong with the impeller. A plumber can take a closer look at the issue and determine if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. However, if you don’t take any action it is a safe bet more damage will occur resulting in sump pump replacement for sure.

Your Sump Pump Is Not Being Used Yet

While this doesn’t seem fair, the simple truth is that if you don’t use your sump pump much its lifespan will shorten. This is because it needs to run to stay clean and functional. If it is just sitting around in your basement it may start to rust. Therefore, if you experience a break between heavy rains it is a good idea to test out your pump and let it run for a second or two. This also helps you make sure that it is running smoothly.

It is better to find out that it is time for a sump pump replacement before you are dealing with a torrential downpour and a flooded basement. On average it is a good idea to test your sump pump once every month or two. Especially in areas with seasonal weather like Richmond, VA where seasonal weather shifts are common.

Sump Pump Runs All of the Time

On the flip side of the coin, you don’t want your sump running all of the time either. In fact, a sump pump that runs all of the time probably has a switch problem. The float arm is responsible for signaling when the pump needs to turn on or off based on the presence of water which will push it upwards. Both the float arm and the switch need to be working properly in order for your sump pump to turn off.

If the pump shifts position within the basin then the float will not accurately be able to read the water level. Also, the switch can lose its power source and then fail to work. The good news is that these conditions can be repaired versus requiring a brand new sump pump replacement if you troubleshoot them quick enough and do not allow your pump to continue to run 24/7 for days or weeks.

On the other hand, if you inspect your sump pump and the float and switch are fine, this may be a sign that the sump pump simply cannot keep up with the amount of water coming into your home. In this case, the sump pump is no longer beneficial to you because water is probably starting to pool in your home again. At this point, it may be time to talk to a plumber about sump pump replacement and purchasing a larger model.

Sump Pump Is Vibrating While in Use

Your sump pump should not vibrate when in use, so if you notice that is vibrating there is something wrong. A lot of times a sump pump starts shaking if the impellers are damaged or bent out of shape. This happens when a pump sucks up a piece of hard debris that hits against the blades. If the blade is damaged or bent then the spin is no longer equal creating stress on the entire sump and forcing it to wobble. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to ever get the impeller bent back into the right position, so usually, this is a sign that it is time for sump pump replacement.

Consult with a Plumbing Company

These are just a few of the many signs that there may be something wrong with your sump pump, but there are many other signs. If you have any other reason to suspect that something is wrong with your sump pump it is better to call a plumber to have them look at it then wait.

Like anything else, proactively fixing something always leads to better results. It may also help you avoid a premature sump pump replacement. Our team at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA helps out our clients with their sump pumps all of the time. If you are experiencing any issues, give us a call and we will quickly diagnose and fix the problem.