Many homes with basements will have a sump pump device that prevents your basement from flooding if water makes its way in. A sump pump is a device that sits in a recessed sump basin in your basement. The sump basin is used to accumulate water that makes its way into your basement, and the sump pump is a device that pumps the water out of the sump basin and out of your basement. If a sump pump fails to work properly, your basement could flood, leading to serious structural damage to your home, basement, and foundation. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we often get asked what signs to look out for when replacing a sump pump. Let’s look closer at the top signs that your basement’s sump pump needs to be replaced.
Typical Lifespan of a Sump Pump
Various factors determine how long your sump pump will last, including how often it is used, the quality of the manufacturing, and how well it is maintained. Typically, the average sump pump lasts between seven and ten years. Homeowners can extend the lifespan of their sump pump by having it regularly inspected and maintained by professionals like the team at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing.
Top Signs Your Sump Pump Needs To Be Replaced or Repaired
When a sump pump starts to fail, it often gives you several warning signs. The top warning signs include:
Excessive Sump Pump Noise: While it is normal to hear some noise from your sump pump, when it is functioning as it should, hearing grinding and rattling or loud gurgling noises could be an early indicator that parts are starting to wear out. If you hear a new or abnormal amount of noise from your sump pump, it’s time to have it inspected by a professional.
Frequent On/Off Cycling of Sump Pump: If your sump pump starts to cycle on and off frequently, there is likely something wrong with its float switch. A sump pump’s float switch rises with water levels and triggers the pump to begin pumping water out of your basement. When this float switch malfunctions, it can cause your sump pump to cycle on even when no water is in the pump, leading to excessive wear and tear. Often, a sump pump float switch can be replaced without replacing the entire sump pump.
Failing to Pump Water Out of a Basement: A clear sign that your sump pump needs to be replaced or repaired is when you notice that it cannot keep up with water that makes its way into your basement. This typically means that the pump has failed entirely or that your current model can’t keep up with flooding and should be replaced with a more powerful unit. Signs of water damage in a basement, like mold, mildew, and high humidity, often can be caused by a sump pump that can’t fully remove water from its sump basin.
If you notice any of these symptoms coming from your sump pump or your basement, the safest action is to have it inspected by trained professionals to ensure it will work when needed.
Contact Tom’s Basement Waterproofing for Sump Pump Inspection, Repair, and Replacement
Since 1975, Tom’s Basement Waterproofing has proudly helped homeowners in the metro Detroit area with sump pump repair, replacement, and inspection as part of our full-service basement waterproofing work. If you suspect that your sump pump needs to be repaired or serviced, call our team today at (586) 949-7826.