If your basement is prone to flooding, a sump pump is a vital piece of equipment to have. These pumps are designed to remove water from your home before it causes any damage, and they can be a lifesaver in the event of a flood. However, like any other piece of machinery, sump pumps can wear out over time. If you’re not sure whether or not yours needs to be replaced, here are eight signs that it’s time for a new sump pump.
For the most part, our sump pump is the only thing keeping our basement dry. When it’s been operating for a long time, we become anxious and fear that something will go wrong. As a result, we end up investing in a replacement when we don’t truly need to. So…
How can we tell if our sump pump needs to be replaced?
1. Sounds abnormal and vibrations
If your sump pump has been running constantly for an extended amount of time with strange noises and tremors, it’s likely the bearings have been damaged and need to be replaced.
When the bearing is faulty, it’s usually due to lubrication oil contamination, particularly if it’s a submersible pump. Extreme temperatures might also prevent adequate lubrication, which may lead to the same results.
Vibration may also be caused by a variety of factors, including misaligned shafts and impeller damage. Anything that causes a motor to spin out of control will result in significant vibration.
2. Water inside the motor housing
A motor is fatally damaged by water contamination, even a little amount, and it can cause a lot of damage. The most frequent reasons for water damage are gasket deterioration, sealing failure, and corrosion. You won’t realize there’s an issue with your engine until it stops running, but you should search for a new one as soon as possible.
3. Corrosion is severe.
Corrosion can have a detrimental impact on a sump pump. Significant quantities of it will likely have an adverse influence on the pump’s performance and, in extreme cases, lead to failure.
The pipes that supply your basement with water can become clogged over time, causing flooding.
If you have a propensity to corrosion, you might want to consider switching to a thermoplastic pump in order to virtually eliminate any risk of corrosion. If you’re not comfortable using them, at the very least pick one that’s been coated well and has a good cast-iron sump pump that will keep your system clean.
4. Pump capacity reduced
If the pump is running longer than usual despite a constant supply of water to the pit, you may have a problem. Check your outlet voltage. Undervoltage can cause the pump to run at a lower capacity than intended. If your outlet voltage is significantly below 110V, you should contact an electrician immediately.
If the voltage is good, the motor or impeller may be defective. An eroded impeller will have shorter blades, resulting in a lower capacity. It’s feasible to restore it, but replacing the pump would make more sense in this case.
5. Deaded motor
Motors can fail for a variety of reasons, including overheating, faulty wiring, and warehousing. The following are just a few of the most typical causes: n Cycling frequency, moisture exposure, and insulation deterioration are all examples.
If your pump is new, you should have it tested. However, make sure the cost of testing is significantly lower than the price of a new one.
6. The incorrect sizing
It’s just as bad to have an improperly sized pump as it is to have a pump that’s out of shape. When the rain arrives, it will have difficulties keeping the water down if it is continuously operating before then.
Before you get caught up in self-hatred because of a flooded basement, double-check to see if it’s been replaced.
7. The Long Standby Time
A pump that has been out of operation for a long time will get out of shape. After some time, the lubricating oil in the bearing will run down and potentially cause overheating as a result. The switch may become stuck and no longer work properly. Alternatively, the pump might be clogged with mud or solidify over time.
When you forget to clean the sump pump and water collects in the sump pit, your sump pump will deteriorate. To prevent this, cleaning your sump pump after each use is a good idea.
The water will activate the switch, causing the pump to run. The pump’s components are exercised as a result of this. You may identify other issues before it’s too late by looking for these problems.
8. 7 years old or more
Pumps that have been in use for a long time, particularly those that are used frequently, will suffer from worn parts that are prone to failure. By having it changed ahead of time, you’ll be rid of your concerns.
At 7 years or more, the pump has paid for itself many times over. It’s important to capitalize on those gains before you risk losing a lot more from a flooded basement.
What is the finest sump replacement for me?
If your pump survived long enough, it’s likely to be replaced by the same type. On the side of the pump, look for the model number printed on the nameplate. If you don’t see one there, check out our comparison of the top submersible sump pumps.
If you’re searching for even more protection, consider our guide on how to back up sump pumps. We debunk the finest methods to safeguard your home when things go wrong in our article about how to backup sump pumps. Alternatively, go immediately to our comparison of mix-type sump pump systems.
