Tag Archive for: Basement

Owning a home requires you to maintain a lot of appliances and equipment. For most homeowners, realizing something isn’t working typically happens after damages have occurred. If you have a sump pump in your home, you likely have a basement floor to keep water out of. Sump pumps are great for maintaining a clean and moisture-free basement space and preventing water from getting in. Keep in mind that sump pumps will eventually fail. How long do sump pumps last? If installed correctly, a sump pump will last between 7-10 years. Longevity is based on proper maintenance.

Let’s look below at why a sump pump’s life expectancy will vary based on its maintenance.

What Is A Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are known to serve multiple purposes. There are portable sump pumps and sump pumps that are installed in a basement well to keep the water. When your basement is not waterproofed, excess groundwater can make its way into your basement.

Therefore, the job of a sump pump is to cycle out the moisture. Sump pumps are installed in a pit that has electrical wiring, piping to relocate the water, and a motorized pump. Also, in some cases, a battery backup power accompanies the sump pump to keep it from failing.

When Will I Know It Is Time To Replace It?

Believe it or not, there are a variety of reasons why a sump pump fails and should be replaced. Let’s look below at what signs it is time for a sump pump replacement.

  • Constantly running – Sump pumps are installed to handle a certain amount of gallons of water per hour. If the pump that is installed cannot handle the volume of water it will cycle on for minutes at a time to remove the excess water. If this occurs it is likely that the pump is too small or is not powered up properly.
  • Weird Noises – Consequently, if you hear a low humming noise or strange noises from your sump pump there is likely an issue. Any humming noise coming from the pump could mean that the bearings inside the motor are starting to freeze up. Additionally, the impeller in the motor could also be jamming. If this happens, you will need a master plumber to come and replace your sump pump.
  • Frequent cycling on and off – Sump pumps that cycle on and off regularly are failing to relocate the excess water volume promptly. This malfunction could cause the pump motor to overheat and break down. It is recommended that you have a bigger sump pit or well and pump installed. Having a basin that can handle 20 to 30 gallons is smarter than investing in a new sump pump every couple of years.
  • Not turning on – When you are experiencing heavy rainstorms, your sump pump is working very hard. Keep in mind that your sump pump also kicks on when you have snow melting, dripping pipes, or ground pressure. If your sump pump does not turn on, it can cause you to have major water damage in the basement. The moment that you notice it is not turning on you will need to call on your local master plumber.

Sump pump repairs are often needed if your sump pump’s electrical system is experiencing power outages and float switch control issues. Test the pump after a power outage to ensure that the sump pump is running and able to push water out of the basement. Consequently, call on your local master plumber to make any repairs.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know how long your sump pump should last, this would be a good time to read up on how to unclog a sump pump. You might not have time to call a local master plumber to assist, so the more info you can gather is a good idea.

Next, read up on ways that you can prevent your basement from flooding during a heavy rainstorm. If the sump pump is unable to keep a large amount of water out of your basement during a heavy rainstorm, you will want to utilize other options.

Lastly, keep an eye out for water leaks in your home. If water is leaking or moisture levels are up, mold can start to grow. Areas that are damp and have high moisture levels become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

When Do I Call A Professional?

The moment when your sump pump stops working is when you need to call a master plumber. The sump pump in your basement is necessary to keep groundwater out of the basement. Also, if any part of the sump pump begins to fail, you could end up experiencing some major flooding. Call on a master plumber to assist you with a sump pump replacement. Additionally, call on your local home inspection team to inspect all of your plumbing. Also, they can refer you to a reputable master plumber.

Conclusion

Sump pumps are key for keeping your basement free and clear of water. If you build out your basement, you will want to ensure that your sump pump is working properly. Additionally, no homeowner wants a flood in their basement. Call on your local home inspection team to get your sump pump inspected during a full home inspection. Contact Blue Guardian Home Inspections for a full home inspection in Kendall, Kane, Dupage, and LaSalle Counties of Illinois. They will inspect your sump pump system and basement during a full home inspection.