FAQs About Sump Pump Replacement and Repair | Chester, VA

12/24/2020

Photo By patpitchaya at Shutterstock

How do you know when you need maintenance on your sump pump? Although your sump pump seems to be working normally, it’s easy to miss clues to an impending sump pump failure. Unfortunately, these failures usually occur at the most inopportune times–heavy rain and minor flooding events.

Learn what signs to look or listen for to determine if you should consider sump pump replacement. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in the Chester, VA area today for prompt repair or replacement of all types of sump pumps.

Is the Float Switch Working?

A sump pump float switch is one of several components that trigger the running of the pump. As the water level rises in your basement, the float should rise as well. When the float gets to a certain level, it is supposed to turn on the float switch. However, the float may appear to be working normally, but your sump pump fails to switch on. To make sure the float switch is functioning, raise the bracket attached to the float. You can see if the float switch turns on the sump pump when the float device reaches the maximum level. Damaged float switches usually mean you need a sump pump replacement.

Is the Sump Pump Discharging Water Quickly?

Sump pumps use centrifugal force to transport water from one place to another. When excess water initiates the sump pump motor, the impeller starts spinning faster and faster until enough centrifugal force builds up and water is forced into a diffuser. If your sump pump isn’t keeping up with the flow of water entering your basement, it could be a problem with the motor, impeller, or diffuser. Most of our service calls that involve slow sump pumps require the replacing one or more engine components. If we find we can’t repair components involved in producing centrifugal force, we’ll recommend a sump pump replacement and help you choose the right sump pump for your basement. 

Is Your Ejector Pump Lid Sealed Properly?

Chester, VA residents who experience frequent sewage clogs or flooding, should consider installing an ejector pump in a finished basement. Also called sewage pumps, ejector sump pumps don’t need regular maintenance but can develop clogs that need to be removed. Also, if you have an ejector pump and start smelling sewage odors inside or outside your home, it’s likely the ejector pump lid has become unsealed. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for immediate repair of a damaged ejector pump lid. Raw sewage fumes can present a health hazard to you and your family.

Does the Sump Pump Stop Running Before All Water is Removed?

The meteorologist says a line of strong thunderstorms will move through your area and drop two inches of rain over the next several hours. You remember your sump pump worked great just a week ago, so you aren’t worried about your basement flooding. But then–disaster strikes! Why did your sump pump suddenly shut off when several inches of water is still covering your basement floor? In most cases, it’s likely due to an overheated pump, a bad float switch, or the float switch needs servicing. If this happens to you, call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to schedule an immediate appointment.

Does Your Sump Pump Run for Too Long?

One reason why many of our customers need a sump pump replacement is because the original sump pump they had installed did not provide enough power to handle the flooding of their basements. The amount of horsepower a sump pump needs to remove excess water efficiently depends largely on how far it needs to pump water away from the home. Another factor determining how powerful a sump pump should be the plumbing fixtures involved in transporting water. Insufficient centrifugal force exerted by a sump pump motor will be unable to push hundreds of gallons of water up into pipes that have been vertically installed. In addition, a sump pump stressed by running for hours and hours may suddenly stop running altogether. 

Give your local plumber a call to schedule a sump pump inspection today to find out if you should invest in a sump pump replacement. Read more sump pump information to help you decide what kind of sump pump best addresses your needs.

Consider Sealing Your Basement Before a Sump Pump Replacement

Water may enter a basement in the absence of heavy rain events. When groundwater accumulates in moist soil, a rising water table causes the development of hydrostatic pressure. When too much hydrostatic pressure pushes against walls or under floors, water starts seeping through tiny cracks. Eventually, cracks enlarge as pressure continues building, resulting in more moisture entering the basement, possible structural damage, and more stress on working sump pumps.

Most sump pumps last about 10-years when they are properly installed and appropriately sized to meet your basement’s needs. Homeowners may help avoid a premature sump pump replacement by having their basement inspected and cracks sealed by professional technicians. 

While interior sealers work well when high humidity is present, foundations created from masonry materials such as stone, marble, brick, limestone, and granite may not provide a durable protection when hydrostatic pressure is detected. Installation of an interior drain system that captures excess water and diverts it to a sump pump may be necessary in some cases to prevent foundational damage. 

Expert Sump Pump Replacement in Chester, VA

Take proactive steps to avoid a flooded basement or home by scheduling a sump pump maintenance inspection at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA. If you need a sump pump replacement, our technicians can be there at your convenience to ensure the next rain event in Chester, VA doesn’t leave your basement underwater. Contact us today!