4 Signs It’s Time for a Sump Pump Repair | Richmond, VA

12/30/2020

Photo By ozgurcoskun at istock

It would be nice if you could install a sump pump and never worry about it again, but sump pumps are not made to last forever. Eventually, you will have to replace your sump pump, but if it is properly maintain and you seek out sump pump repair in Richmond, VA, when it is needed, you can extend the lifespan of your pump.

If you haven’t thought much about your sump pump, you are not alone. Most homeowners do not think much about their sump pumps after they are installed. However, sump pumps have a big job to perform, and when they fail to do so, your home is in danger of flooding. The costs of flood damage are much higher than the costs of simple repair, so it pays to pay attention to the health of your sump pump.

Not sure whether or not it is time or not for sump pump repair? The following is a list of common signs that signify you may want to call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA, and book an appointment for repair. 

Your Sump Pump Is Old 

A lot of homeowners have no idea how old their sump pump is. If you purchased a home that already had a sump pump installed, you may not have even given it a second thought. However, if your sump pump is over seven-years old, then it may be time to think about replacing it. Sump pumps do not have an extremely long lifespan, especially if it has not been maintained properly. 

If you have the owner’s manual for your sump pump, it is not a bad idea to get it out and look for a lifespan estimate. Usually, they don’t tell you the exact lifespan, but they will tell you how long they will guarantee the product in the case it fails, which is a pretty good estimate of the expected lifespan. Of course, several variables play a role in how long your sump pump will last, including how much rainfall the area receives, where you live, and the amount of work the sump pump has to do. 

Insurance companies will usually recommend that homeowners have their sump pump inspected at least once a year. A yearly inspection will give you a chance for sump pump repair if necessary and will give you a head’s up whether or not you should start budgeting for a replacement in the near future.

Your Sump Pump Is Loud

A properly functioning sump pump is not very loud. Thus, any noise you hear coming from it should be treated as alarming. Excessive sounds and noises coming from your sump pump indicate that something is wrong and it is time for sump pump repair. Usually, sounds are made by rubbing components or a worn-out motor. A failing bearing can cause a lot of squeaking and is a simple sump repair visit if you call before any other damage occurs. 

On the other hand, if you hear a grinding or rattling noise, something may be wrong with the impeller. This usually happens when the impeller is jammed by debris or is bent out of shape. The job of the impeller is to draw water into the pump so that it can be then pulled away from the home or structure. Sometimes hard debris is pulled into the pump which can stress the impeller or damage the shaft. You should call a plumber for sump pump repair the minute you start to hear grinding coming from your sump pump. If you get it fixed right away you may have a chance of repairing the impeller, but it can be tough to bend the blades back into shape, so if it continues to operate poorly it may become impossible to repair. Otherwise, you will likely need to replace the entire sump pump.

There Is Visible Rust 

If you can see visible rust, this is a good sign that it is probably too late for sump pump repair. The presence of rust probably means that soon you will need to buy a new sump pump. While most people think that rust comes from corrosion, rust on a sump pump is usually caused by bacteria. Known as iron bacteria, this type of bacteria is gel-like and can destroy your plumbing. Not only can it clog your sump pump up, but it can get into other plumbing systems within your home and cause other clogs. It has a tendency to spread into your drainage system and cause major problems so it is best to be proactive and replace your sump pump before that happens. 

Sump Pump Runs All of the Time 

Your sump pump should only run when there is water to drain. Most sump pumps have a float that turns them on and off. When it rains the float rises upwards and the switch flips on. When the rain stops the float drops back down and the sump pump turns off. However, if something goes wrong, the sump pump won’t be able to turn on and off. This can happen if the float is damaged, if the sump pump loses its electrical connection or if something shifts within the basin. The bottom line is if your sump pump is running all of the time, you need to call for sump pump repair. Not only will this waste electricity, but it will burn out your pump and significantly shorten its lifespan. 

If you have noticed the above signs then it is time to reach out to a plumber. bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA, offers sump pump repair along with a long list of other plumbing services. We are happy to come out and inspect your sump pump if you have any reason to suspect something is wrong with it.