Spring brings more sunshine, flowers, and warmer temperatures, but it also brings heavy rain. If you have a sump pump in your Brunswick home, you know how much you rely on it to prevent basement flooding during torrential downpours. Sump pumps can save you from dealing with costly water damage, but only if they’re working properly. Recognizing the signs that your sump pump needs maintenance ensures you don’t have to deal with a flooded basement and the stress and cost that goes with it.
The Sump Pump Runs Nonstop
Sump pumps shouldn’t run nonstop unless it’s raining hard or you’re experiencing significant snowmelt. Any time you notice your sump pump running constantly, you should act quickly. Nonstop running is a red flag that the pump’s working overtime, which could lead to eventual burnout. It also might indicate a stuck float switch. Ignoring the problem will only lessen the pump’s life span and put your home at risk of severe flooding if the pump stops working during periods of heavy rainfall.
The Pump Experiences Erratic Cycling
Have you noticed that the pump runs erratically? For example, maybe it doesn’t kick on at all on a rainy day, but it runs nonstop on days when there’s minimal water in the pit. An obstruction inside the pit can cause the sump pump to run at odd times. A stuck or malfunctioning float switch can cause this, too. However, erratic cycling can also indicate a problem within the pump’s motor. Our plumbing services experts can diagnose and fix the problem.
The Pump Short Cycles
Similar to erratic running, a short-cycling pump doesn’t operate within a normal pattern. Instead, when the pump short cycles, it turns on and off frequently. Short cycling might not affect the pump’s functionality, but it can decrease its life span. One reason pumps short cycle is because they’re oversized. You might have a pump that’s too big for your water removal needs.
The Pump Makes Odd Noises
The next time your pump runs, listen to it. A pump operating normally will hum. It shouldn’t make loud clanging, grinding, or rattling noises. These sounds signal an internal problem, such as worn-out bearings, a damaged propeller, or debris interfering with the pump’s normal mechanical operations. You want to have your pump inspected as soon as possible to prevent any failures during the next rain event if you’re hearing weird sounds from it.
You Notice the Pump Vibrates
Beyond odd noises, the pump could also vibrate when operating. Sump pumps will naturally have minor vibrations when they run. The vibration that should cause concern is strong shaking that causes the unit or the discharge pipe to rattle. Motor issues and impeller problems can cause excessive vibration. If the pump wasn’t mounted correctly, this can also cause excessive vibration. Addressing vibrating problems protects your pump from failing when it must discharge heavy volumes of rainwater, and it can also prevent excessive wear and tear.
No Water in the Sump Pump
Take a peek inside your sump pump. If it’s dry, you might think that’s a good sign, especially if there hasn’t been any rain in a while. However, that doesn’t mean all is well. Something could be blocking the water from getting in, or the float could be stuck in the down position. It’s a good idea to check a dry sump pump’s operation by pouring water from a bucket into the pit up to the float to see if the float activates. If it does, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t activate, it’s time to call for professional plumbing services in Brunswick to fix the problem.
Sump pumps are essential for many reasons, most of all by protecting basements or lowest levels (when you don’t have a basement) from flooding. They add value to your home and give you peace of mind. It’s easy to forget about them, though, because they’re often out of sight. This spring, give your sump pump the attention it needs to ensure it works for you when heavy rains visit the region.
Our plumbing experts have decades of combined experience and can help you check sump pump maintenance off your spring to-do list. Call Dog House today to inspect your home’s sump pump and know you’re protected from unexpected flooding in your home, or if you need other plumbing services like drain cleaning or water treatment systems.
