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The sump pump is the lifeblood of your entire plumbing system, and homeowners in Chattanooga, TN know that without this critical piece of equipment your plumbing could go bad. This is where the need for quality, professional sump pump services goes hand-in-hand with the smooth operation of your entire plumbing system. That said, let’s take a closer look at the signs that you may need to call for sump pump services.
So, let’s first start with a general definition of a sump pump. What is its primary function?
The primary function of a sump pump is to collect all waste water, direct it away from your home, then into the main sewer line for transportation to the local treatment plant. Because the sump pump is considered to be the lifeblood of your plumbing system, it also serves as the heart that moves the water in and out with the waste. Getting it checked and cleaned on a routine basis should be a top priority, and calling on a plumber from Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air for sump pump services is a must.
When your basement starts flooding, then it may be time to look into sump pump services. A flooded basement comes with its own problems: collected mold, water damage, and a stinky smell. Plus, with water collecting around the floors of your basement, you could run the risk of attracting rats that carry disease, which could be harmful for your health and your home. Plus, when you add up all the raw sewage that could get trapped in your basement and home, you know just how urgent the problem is.
Having your sump pump checked once every two months is an important part of professional sump pump services in general. Sometimes, a simple test such as pouring a bucket of water can do the trick during routine maintenance. In fact, if the plumber pours the water into your sump pump and it turns on immediately, then it’s a sign that it is in good, working order. But if the opposite occurs, then it’s time to call Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air for sump pump services.
Those who live in the Chattanooga, TN area know all too well the need to keep that sump pump up and running. Yet the earliest stages of sump pump malfunction remain largely undetected, as the sump pump itself is encased beneath your home’s foundation.
Sometimes checking for leaks and looking for various debris can be incorporated into your routine sump pump services. Even a brief inspection of the sump pump’s float switch and valves can yield the best result in the long run. Plus, making sure the battery is still running strong may allow it to continue to operate unabated.
For those sump pumps that are battery-powered, you may run into more frequent problems that result in backups. In fact, you may wish to have the battery not only checked but replaced as a crucial part of sump pump services every few months.
Water-powered pumps are not the most efficient brands, as they rely on water to keep going. Due to its need for water in order to operate, this brand of sump pump could run the risk of an increased monthly water bill, thus making its battery-powered counterpoint the best option for installation and service.
Submersible sump pumps are one of the most efficient types of sump pumps available, as they move the water quietly in and out of your home. However, they come with their own drawbacks, one being that they may be more difficult to test upon inspection. Where other types of sump pumps can be actively heard turning on when a bucket of water is applied, the submersible pump will not. Plus, this version is much more difficult to install due to its need to be accompanied by a bigger sump.
Pedestal pumps may be easier to test, as you can readily detect when they come on as water is applied. However, they can serve as a personal irritant to homeowners and businesses locally and in surrounding areas, as they are a constant source of major noise. Because these pumps are used far more frequently than some others, they can be subjected to greater wear. Therefore, replacing a pedestal sump pump once every five or six years is highly recommended as part of sump pump services.
Checking the discharge line of any type of sump pump is critical to its operational success. Without it, no water could be taken away from any building to be deployed to the nearest water treatment plant. In fact, the discharge line serves its purpose by storing up the waste water prior to it being directed away from the house. Discharge pipes that are too small cannot direct water away from your home and may result in frequent backups. A faulty check valve could be another possible culprit.
Other areas that lead to the potential for sump pump failure may include a switch that is stuck or not working properly. This may happen when the float is knocked against it, thus causing the switch to fail to move when necessary. Sometimes the pump’s float switch becomes obstructed by debris, which can cause it to fail to work as needed.
A sump pump can run the risk of becoming exhausted from years of overuse, just as any ordinary type of machinery would. This problem is even more frequent with sump pumps that are far too small to handle the amount of water that goes in and out of your home on a regular basis.
When a sump pump is properly installed, a professional must work to ensure that a check valve is installed into the discharge line to control the flow of water. Plus, an air relief hole should be included to prevent oxygen pressure. Upon inspection, the plumber should be able to test your sump pump for all of these features.
Customers should keep in mind that a sump pump is just like any ordinary machine. And just like any machine, it has the potential to break at any time. Knowing any of the above signs of sump pump failure should be the first step in making a call to Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air.
