PhotoSump pumps are an important part of your plumbing, so if they go down, you could well find yourself in deep doo-doo with a flooded basement and a whole host of DIY problems. That’s why it is always a good idea, as a homeowner, to be familiar with your sump pump and the tell-tale signs that it may not be in the best shape because, the sooner you can get it repaired, the better it will be for you and your home.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 5 tell-tale signs of a sump pump in poor shape:
1. It’s Old as the Hills
Age ain’t nothing but a number, they say, but when it comes to sump pumps, that number might be telling you something important. If your pump is celebrating a decade or more of life, then it could be a good idea to call in Johnson Comfort plumbers to check it out and make any necessary repairs. Sure, it might still be functioning fine, but how much longer can that last without attention?
2. The Never-Ending Cycle
If your sump pump is running constantly, and you have it on the go even when there is not much water for it to deal with at all, then the poor thing is probably exhausting itself and it is only a matter of time before some of its components wear themselves out. Ease off and maybe get it checked out.
3. Strange Noises: The Phantom of the Plumbing
Hearing odd sounds from your sump pump, like grinding or gurgling? No, you aren’t being haunted by a phantom of the plumbing, it’s probably just a sound of distress emanating from the equipment which indicates that one or more parts are starting to fail. When this happens, you will want to take immediate action because, often, a quick repair can save your system and you will probably only need to invest in a new component or two instead of a whole new sump pump installation.
4. Water, Water Everywhere
Ironically, if you find water pooling around the sump pump in your home, that’s a surefire sign that something’s amiss. I mean, it is a pretty glaring sign that the sump is no longer doing the job it was designed for, just like you’d know your umbrella was in poor shape if it started letting rain in.
5. Slow to Start or Failing to Start at All
Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race, but when it comes to your sump pump, if it is slow to get going when you turn it on, it is more likely that it will drop out of the race completely because it is probably starting to fail. If it fails to start at all, even just some of the time, well that is an even more glaring sign it needs some love.
Final Thoughts
If you notice any of these tell-tale signs that your sump pump may not be living its best life, then it’s better to act sooner, rather than later.
