How To Tell Whether Your Sump Pump Is Failing: 5 Signs

Most homeowners find it hard to tell whether a sump pump is failing. With a little bit of context and insight, you can look for these five tell-tale signs that may indicate your sump pump system is failing and what you can do to mitigate these common issues.

If you’re unsure whether your sump pump requires professional help or whether you even have a problem in the first place, don’t hesitate to contact St. George’s emergency plumber to determine whether your sump pump is failing and get the necessary repairs. 

The Importance of a Working Sump Pump

A functioning sump pump helps keep your home from experiencing dangerous flooding conditions. A sump pump consists of a pit and discharge pipe for collecting water during periods of heavy rain.

If it rains enough, the excess water triggers the sump pump to turn on. When this water reaches a certain level, the pump removes the excess from the pit and pushes it away from your home. 

Your sump pump also handles excess moisture in the home. Its main purpose is to keep the foundation dry to prevent structural damage.

In this way, the sump pump stabilizes your home’s water and pressure levels to avoid the hazardous effects of flooding water or excess moisture. So, if your sump pump is not working correctly, you leave your home at risk for structural damage and potential health issues arising from an excess of moisture inside the home.

The Five Signs

Thankfully, there are some obvious warning signs that all homeowners can spot. These signs help you detect any underlying issues or defective components before sump pumps completely fail. 

1. Sudden Loud, Strange Noises

The first signs you might detect as a homeowner come in the form of loud and strange noises from your sump pump. This is typically a sign of concern because sump pumps are fairly quiet.

The reason for the strange noise can vary, which is why it’s so important to let professionals inspect the sump pump. Any loud noises could be due to an issue with the motor, faulty parts, worn-out components, or improper installation.

In addition to loud and strange noises, hearing a lot of vibration and intense wobbling may be due to debris buildup in the sump pump, which can put a lot of stress on various components. This vibrating may also be rooted in a problem with your system’s impeller, a set of blades inside the sump pump that cannot function appropriately when damaged.

2. Sump Pump Is Beyond Life Expectancy

While the age of your sump pump is not always visible by looking at it, it is an indicator to help homeowners determine whether it’s time for a replacement. As with any appliance, a sump pump has a general expiration date. However, sometimes replacing the sump pump is the only answer, especially if yours is over ten years old and faces frequent use.

While ten years is a general rule of thumb, other factors may determine the lifespan of a sump pump, including things like how often your sump pump operates and whether you ever scheduled regular maintenance or general care that could have increased its life expectancy.  

If you suspect your sump pump is beyond its life expectancy, contact a plumber with the appropriate knowledge to inspect your sump pump and potentially install a new unit.

3. Noticeable Rusting and Corrosion

Another noteworthy sign of pump issues is rusting or signs of corrosion. While a little rust is well within the scope of normal, it’s never a good sign when your sump pump shows high levels of corrosion and discoloration. 

High levels of rust buildup could lead to a clog that damages the impeller blade and many other working parts of the sump pump system.  

So, if you notice rust or excessive discoloration on or near your sump pump, it’s a wise idea to seek the opinion of a plumbing professional to prevent further damage. 

4. Sump Pump Runs Almost Constantly

You might think a running sump pump is a good sign, but it’s important to note that if your sump pump is running constantly for long periods, this might mean there is an issue with the amount of water in your system.

It may also indicate that your sump pump is not working at the appropriate power level. When this occurs, it’s because the sump pump can’t handle pushing out the levels of water necessary to keep your basement and foundation dry.

If your sump pump is running longer than it should, many worn components could be contributing to this problem. It could be an issue with the plumbing joints, various pipes, pipe diameters, defective components, or pressure in the system.

5. Signs of Flooding 

The sump pump’s main job is to keep excess water from affecting your home. It goes without saying that if you experience constant floods or high levels of moisture in your home, even when there are no heavy rains, your sump pump might not be working effectively.

This may be due to high water levels in the sump pump pit. Other times, it could be due to problems underground with high water levels. Whatever the reason, treating sump pump flooding issues is important to keep your home safe during inclement weather.

The best way to protect your home from flooding and water damage is to let a professional plumber inspect the area promptly. A thorough assessment could mean the difference between a minor repair and a catastrophic event.

Choose Professional Care To Avoid Improper Installation

The best way to keep your sump pump running effectively and find issues before they occur is to hire the help of professional plumbers, so let licensed and trained experts complete every sump pump repair or sump pump installation.

Book your appointment online now or call Iron Mountain Plumbing at (435) 334-5617 today to learn more about determining whether a sump pump is working correctly and getting the repairs you need!

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.