Five Signs That Your Sump Pump Is Failing
You depend upon your sump pump to prevent basement flooding in times of heavy rain, so you don't want it to fail when you need it most. The following signs of issues can help you address any problems before an actual failure occurs.
1. Age
One of the easiest factors to monitor on your sump pump is its age. Every sump pump has an expected expiration date, as provided by the manufacturer. Generally, this is the date when the main switch sensor that activates the pump is expected to fail. Your sump pump service can determine whether a replacement of the sensor or the entire pump is the better option when your sump pump reaches this age.
2. Excessive Vibration
A sump pump may gently vibrate when in operation, but if it starts to vibrate excessively, you have a much more severe issue. A vibrating pump is more likely to suffer further damages as the parts inside are shaken around. Further, the cause of the vibration itself could be indicative of a mechanical issue that is about to result in pump failure. At a minimum, the pump needs to be inspected so the source of the vibration can be found and repaired.
3. Strange Noises
No sump pump is perfectly quiet, but if the noises sound different than usual, then there is likely a problem developing. The most common problem noises are grinding or whining. These noises indicate that the motor is obstructed or struggling, both issues that may necessitate a replacement. Rattling noises are usually the result of bearing or impeller fan issues, which can be repaired if addressed early.
4. Constant Running
Your sump pump should only run when there is water that needs to be pumped out. If the pump is constantly running, even when the sump pump is dry, it is going to burn itself out and require replacement. Worse, if it wears out in the middle of a rainstorm, you may end up with a flooded basement. The float or on/off switch has likely failed; luckily, both issues can be repaired. The sooner you have them addressed, the less damage to your pump.
5. Frequent Cycling
Your pump will occasionally cycle on and off, even in dry weather, due to slowly collecting moisture in the sump pit. It's a problem only if the pump begins cycling on and off frequently when the pit is dry or if there is heavy rain and the pump should be running constantly. Chances are there is an electrical short or the float needs to be readjusted.
Contact a sump pump repair and replacement service for more help.