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Among the biggest mistakes homeowners make is neglecting their sump pumps. Like other appliances, they cannot last forever but require proper maintenance to ensure they run properly. That is why homeowners need to seek regular sump pump services from a professional. Sump pumps work overtime to regulate groundwater and prevent it from flooding your home. For instance, when it rains, it’s pretty common for the basement to flood, but a functional sump pump can mitigate the flooding and prevent dirty water from raiding your home.

There are various types of sump pumps, including submersible, pedestal, and floor sucker pumps. The most common in residential homes are submersible pumps and pedestal pumps, and they can tend to wear out pretty quickly. It is vital to schedule regular maintenance and service checks to get ahead of problems and ensure your appliance is working optimally. Below are some of the signs that should prompt you to seek immediate service from a professional plumber.

Excessive noises and vibrations

Too much vibration from your sump pump is an indication that something is wrong with a component or two. The problem may be that the pump is bent by debris that is sucked up into the pump. When the impeller is bent, it means it is no longer balanced on the shaft, and this leads to loud noises. The strain on the shaft caused by the imbalance may end up damaging the entire system if you don’t seek professional sump pump services on time. To avoid premature replacement, get a professional to install a filter to keep debris from being sucked into the pump.

Another cause of a noisy system is the sump pump system not in position within the sump pit. It will be wise to hire a professional regularly for your sump pump maintenance and have them inspect its position. You may also hear clunking noises from the discharge pipe that may cause it to rattle against the sump pump lid. Some measures can help take care of the noises, including wrapping insulation around the pipe. A seasoned plumber can also install rubber stoppers between the discharge pipe and the liner of the sump pump lid to reduce the noises.

Visible corrosion and rust

When the sump pump is constantly exposed to water, it may encourage iron bacteria to eat up the system, hence resulting in rust development. If left unattended, a large accumulation of rust within the terminal area may result in your water flow system. When having an expert over to handle your sump pump services, make it a point to have them inspect the system for signs of corrosion or rust and perform the necessary adjustments or repairs.

If you are installing a new sump pump, a professional plumber can help you select one that is of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel. If the one you have has signs of corrosion, you can consider using epoxy coatings or zinc anodes for resistance. Hire a professional plumber for your sump pump services, and they will advise you accordingly on the best option to take.

Irregular cycling

Short cycling is a symptom of a fault in your pump’s float switch; a device that floats on the surface of the water in your sump basin. It should turn the pump on when the water reaches a particular level. When faulty, it may become entangled in the pump’s electrical cord or even potentially get stuck against the side of the wall in the sump basin. In either of the scenarios, it cannot move freely, causing the pump to be unable to shut off after the cycle has completed. Rapid cycling leads to wear and tear on your pump, and it may use up more energy than required. A working sump pump is vital to protect your home from the damage that underground water can cause.

When seeking routine sump pump services, have the technician inspect the check valve on the discharge pipe. If it is defective or missing, the pump may continue to run indefinitely without shutting off. If your drainpipe has issues such as breakage or clogging, the pump will turn on, but the water it’s draining out will not have anywhere to go. That may cause the system to run endlessly until the motor in the pump burns out. Therefore, in case you notice irregular cycling of your sump pump, seek immediate help from a professional plumber in Cleveland, TN, to avert any damages to your home.

Tripped circuit

Your sump pump draws its power from the electrical system of your home, and under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t interfere with the electricity. If the sump pump trips the circuit constantly upon turning on, it’s time to call a plumber and determine where the issue lies. Various possible causes may result in the circuit tripping, including a stuck impeller, damaged wiring in the system, or damaged system switch.

Frequent power outage incidents expose the electrical components of the system to lots of stress that can cause the entire unit to fail. Hire a professional for your sump pump services and have them install a surge protection system for your home and the sump pump to avoid constant tripping. You can also consider installing a long-lasting battery backup system.

System is running too much

Some homeowners may fail to notice when the sump pump is running too much since it can be subtle. The most common leading cause of the sump pump running for long is a switch problem. The float is responsible for the smooth operation of the on or off switch, and the pump relies on both the switch and the float arm to mechanically operate. Switch problems can occur if the pump shifts inside the basin, which renders the float ineffective. That may result in the switch losing connection with its power source.

Tethered switches may move to the side of the pump and hang up on the sump basin. Additionally, vertical floats with plastic brackets can break, and the vibrations from a poorly installed pump may push the float switch against the side of the container. If you notice that your sump pump is running continuously, it may not manage to handle the water load it’s supposed to. Why not get a professional to deliver sump pump services that will get rid of any underlying issues and return your device to its optimum functionality?

Ring us up

Metro Plumbing, Heating, Air and Septic has been providing professional and reliable sump pump services around Cleveland, TN, since 1989. Our trained technicians offer 24-hour plumbing services for both residential and commercial customers. While providing professional sump pump services, we ensure to timely diagnose the problem and solve it before the damage escalates further. Do not be afraid to give us a call whenever you need emergency sump pump services.