5 Sure Signs You Need to Replace a Sump Pump | New homeowners or homeowners that never faced the issue of a wet basement often find discussions about a sump pump confusing. If that’s you, here’s the deal.
In houses with wet basements, the water needs somewhere to go. So, a contractor finds the lowest part of the basement and installs a sump pit, which gives water somewhere to drain. The sump pump takes the drainage water and pumps it outside away from the house.
Like any machine, though, sometimes you must replace a sump pump. If you’ve never dealt with faulty sump pumps before, here are some key signs you need a replacement.
- Age
Just like your roof or an appliance, a sump pump comes with a standard operating lifespan. Regular maintenance can keep them running longer, but even that won’t stave off the inevitable. In most cases, you’ll get something in the neighborhood of 7 to 10 years of service.
After that, it’s just a good practice to replace it.
- Excessive Noise When Running
A sump pump is a pump, so you must expect some level of noise. That noise level should remain pretty consistent over time. If your pump gets substantially louder, it’s a solid sign of sump pump problems.
Of course, fixing a sump pump or installing a new one is usually a job for a pro. For more about the installation process, take a look here.
- Runs a Lot
If you experience a lot of wet weather, your pump will run a lot. If you’re in the middle of a dry spell and the pump still runs a lot, that means there is a problem.
It might prove an issue with the switch or the float arm. In that case, you might get by with a repair instead of a sump pump replacement. The more likely outcome is a full sump pump replacement.
- Constant Cycling
When working properly, a sump pump will turn on and run until the water level drops enough that the float arm turns the motor back off. If the pump turns on and off repeatedly, despite the weather, it’s probably on the verge of failure.
- Infrequent Use
As weather patterns change, homes that once needed sump pumps can find the pumps don’t kick on very often anymore. While that’s good news for your basement, it’s not so great for the pump. Infrequent use can actually shave time off the pump’s useful working life.
If your pump doesn’t get a regular workout, you should get it looked at by a pro periodically.
Should You Replace a Sump Pump
Sometimes, an obvious problem like loud noise or constant cycling makes the choice to replace a sump pump for you. What if your pump is only showing telltale signs of problems? What if you’re not sure about the pump’s age?
Fortunately, a new sump pump is a relatively affordable home repair when compared with things like a new roof. When in doubt, get the new pump.
Looking for more home improvement information? Check out some more posts in our At Home section.
