If you live in a home that has a basement, you’re likely aware of what a sump pump is. If you haven’t heard of this device, a sump pump is commonly used to remove water from the lowest area of a home. Typically, sump pumps are installed in basements as these lower parts of homes are often prone to flooding. That being said, sumps pumps are prone to wear and tear over time. With that in mind, here are five warning signs that it’s time to contact a sump pump repair company.
- Completely Stops Working
One of the most important signs that you’re sump pump has failed is if it completely stops working. For instance, you’ll call a heating repair company immediately in the event your heater goes out. Considering that, you’ll want to make sure your sump pump receives the same kind of attention. It’s understandable to be confused between whether a sump pump is turned off or completely broken. You might find it wise to look for excess standing water in your basement as this could be a sign the pump has stopped working entirely. It’s best to contact a company offering plumbing services in order to receive a professional diagnosis. - Never Turns Itself Off
A sump pump that is in optimal condition should be able to effectively remove water from lower rooms of a home. That being said, constant use of this machine could be a sign that something is wrong with your sump pump. One of the most common causes of sump pump failure is a switch problem. As you’ll sometimes need a heating repair company to fix a certain mechanism, these problems also happen to sump pumps. Therefore, it’s wise to have a professional come and look at this device rather than risk injuring yourself trying to replace this switch. - Sump Pump Appears Rusty
You’ll find that not all types of damage to a sump pump will be as noticeable as others. With that in mind, it’s important to check the water that is being pumped into the wastewater tank. Check the color of the water being pushed through a sump pump. This check needs to be performed to detect for the presence of brown or rusty water. In some cases, this discoloration can take place due to iron bacteria being present. Over time, this rust can turn into a sludge that can cause a lot of damage to household pipes. Statistics show that 40% have experienced some form of loss due to water damage. - Pump Hasn’t Been Replaced Recently
It’s important that you’re aware that sump pumps must eventually be replaced. In fact, the United States Department of Housing and Development estimates that the average sump pump will have a life expectancy of about 10 years. Over time, sump pumps will have a harder time working as well as they did when these devices were new. If you a need a sump pump replacement, it’s best to contact plumbing contractors right away. You likely wouldn’t take care of heating repairs on your own. Considering that, it’s best to also leave plumbing work to the professionals. - Pump Emits Odd Noises
If you’ve been hearing strange noises from your basement, this could mean that your sump pump is failing. In many cases, this strange sound is the motor of a sump pump beginning to give out. It’s wise to contact a plumber to take care of this problem before the motor completely gives out. As seen with heating repairs, it’s best to have plumbing problems taken care of fast before they spiral out of control.
In conclusion, there are several signs that you’re sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced. If you’ve noticed any of the previously mentioned signs, you’ll want to contact a plumbing service. Having these pumps fixed provides you with peace of mind. In addition, hiring a professional means not having to take time out of your busy life to get this project completed. Statistics show that 93% of water damage incidents could have been prevented. Contact a plumbing service to fix any sump pump issues in order to avoid water damage potentially taking place within your home.