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The easiest solution to flooding in a basement or first-floor room in your Chattanooga, TN home is a sump pump. A sump pump is usually placed below ground level so that water is encouraged to flow towards it and therefore any potential flooding is averted. While a sump pump is very effective in most cases, it is not something that you can just ignore once installed. A lot of people think that buying and installing a sump pump is all that needs to be done, but in order to keep your home flood free, you need to be aware of sump pump services.
Regular sump pump services are the best way to ensure that your sump pump stays working. Like most appliances, sump pumps do have lifespans and you want yours to last as possible before replacing it. The best way to ensure that yours makes it at least ten years is by properly maintaining your sump pump and replacing broken parts as you notice issues. Most sump pumps do not just die on you. Usually, there are warning signs that it is time for sump pump services. Here are a few of the top warning signs that it is time to call a plumber for sump pump services.
Your Sump Pump Is Old
This may seem obvious, but a lot of homeowners install their sump pumps and then forget completely about it. Take a minute to think about when you installed your sump pump. Then think about the last time you had someone come out to your home for sump pump service. If you can’t remember either number then it is time to call a plumber and have someone out to inspect it. Most sump pumps only last between seven to 10 years.
If you are past the seven-year mark and something goes wrong with your sump pump then it is time to replace it. You don’t want to put any money into something that is probably nearing the end of its lifespan anyhow. Just make a note with your new sump pump to make sure this time around you call for timely sump pump services.
It should be noted however that the lifespan of your sump pump will be heavily dependent on the climate where you live and how much floodwaters it has to deal with. A sump pump in an area that receives large amounts of rainfall and diverts moisture on a daily basis is going to wear out quicker than a pump in a dry area that only has to divert flood waters on occasion. If you aren’t sure, ask your local Chattanooga, TN plumber as they should be more familiar with the area and how long most area pumps tend to last.
Odd Noises Coming From Your Sump Pump
You should never hear your sump pump, so if you start to hear loud noises this is a clear sign that something is wrong with it. Any loud or repetitive noises coming from your sump indicate that it is time for prompt sump pump repair. You will want to act quickly because some pieces are not replaceable. For example, if something is wrong with the impeller and it is banging against the sides of the well you need to turn it off immediately. Once an impeller blade is bent the entire sump pump will likely need to be replaced.
If the noise is coming from an impeller it will usually make more of a grinding or rattling noise, which is your first indication that it is an impeller blade. The quicker you call for sump pump services and turn off your sump pump the better the chances that it can be repaired and save you a bit of money. The worst thing you can do is wait it out and hope that the noise goes away.
If it is a noise coming from the motor that indicates something like a failed bearing the issue won’t stop. What it will do is probably break more components of your sump pump in a domino fashion and force you into buying a new sump pump early.
You Can See Rust on the Sump Pump
It is pretty much a golden rule that you don’t want to see rust on any major appliance, but you really don’t want to see it on your sump pump. While rust is a sign of aging, on a sump pump it is usually a sign of bacteria growing on the pump itself This is a special type of bacteria known as iron bacteria, and it is a dangerous gel that is slightly discolored like rust and coats the pump and any area around it. If you don’t quickly call for sump pump services once you notice it, it will spread to your other plumbing causing plumbing and requiring even more pipes to be replaced. Let it go long enough and it will completely block your drainage system which is not a place you want to find yourself in.
It Seems Like It Is Always On
Have you noticed that it seems like your sump pump is always running, even when it is not raining and there is no water to drain? If you start to notice this then you have a clear sign that something is wrong and you need sump pump services. A lot of times if your sump pump continues to run the float is not working correctly. The float is connected to the power switch and when the float drops the pump is supposed to turn off. If the float loses its connection to power or the float is damaged it won’t stop running. You need to have it serviced soon because it will wear itself out running without water.
If you have noticed any of the above signs, or haven’t had anyone out to check on your sump pump in a while, it is time to make a call and schedule sump pump services. Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air is always happy to help our neighbors with any plumbing issues as well as many other household appliances.
