Those April showers (and March ones, too, as we’ve experienced) do bring May flowers and green grass. But if your home’s sump pump fails, they can also lead to basement flooding and all the expense and hassle that accompanies it. So, make sure your sump pump and battery backup are in working order. Here are some signs that trouble may be looming.
- Water in the basement. A little late at this point, but flooding could be caused by a sump pump failure. You should test your sump pump to make sure, as the flooding could also be due to a clogged sewer line or a power outage.
- The motor is not working. This is a sign the pump has failed, and you are at high risk for flooding. But before you jump to that conclusion, make sure the pump is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is on.
- Constant running. The pump should not keep running once the basin is empty. That is a sign that the motor is running nonstop. Constant running will burn out the motor, and the result is a sump pump failure.
- Cycling issues. Constant running is not the only cause for concern. If the pump takes a long time to cycle or cycles sporadically, those are also causes for concern.
- Noise. A little noise is to be expected and is a welcome sign that the pump is working. But you should not be hearing grinding, rattling or squeaking. Those noises could indicate there is a problem.
- Hot to the touch. The pump housing should not be hot. If it is, that means the motor may be overheating.
- Burning smell. Likewise, if you notice a burning smell, that is another sign the motor is overheating.
- Corrosion or rust. Since the pump is constantly in contact with water, rust can occur. The mineral deposits from rust can damage the system.
- Vibrating. The pump should also not be vibrating. The vibration can occur if the impeller (the part of the pump that draws water into it) is damaged.
- Frequent repairs. You should get your sump pump checked regularly. But if you are incurring frequent and more expensive repairs, investing in a new pump might make sense.
- Age. Even if none of the above are present, sump pumps don’t last forever – about 7 to 10 years. If your sump pump has reached that point, it might make sense to invest in a new one before trouble occurs.
One final note – you should always have a battery backup. That way, if your sump pump does fail, you will be protected until you can replace the main pump.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Sump Pumps
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s knowledgeable and licensed plumbers can help you determine if you need a new sump pump. They can then help you select and then install the sump pump that is right for you, thus preventing inconvenient and expensive flooding. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.