Critical Signs of Sump Pump Damage

Are there loud or unusual noises coming from your sump pump? Have you noticed frequent cycling or rust buildup?

Sump pump damage can strike at any time and won’t go away on its own. That’s why you need the help of a professional plumber who understands your home’s needs.

Reliable Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is in your corner when it comes to professional sump pump service and sump pump repair in Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Willow Grove, Hatboro, Southampton, and Northeast Philadelphia, PA.

What is a Sump Pump?

Your sump pump is that mysterious but vital piece of plumbing hiding in the corner of your basement that helps prevent your home from flooding during periods of high rainfall or snowfall where there is likely to be a lot of runoff. The sump pump is located inside a sump pit which is usually installed below floor level.

Your sump pump activates when the water in the sump pit hits a certain level and pumps out the excess water through a pipe.

What Are the Signs of Sump Pump Damage?

When you are busy with routine plumbing maintenance like drain cleaning or sewer and drain checks, it’s a good idea to give your sump pump a quick onceover to check if it is working correctly or if it needs sump pump maintenance.

Things to look out for include:

Rust

If your sump pump is rusted, it may have corroded battery terminals, be due for maintenance or you may need sump pump replacement due to age. Any of these could affect your pump’s effectiveness.

Rattling and Grinding Noises

Rattling or grinding is never good, and could indicate damage requiring professional assistance

Runs 24/7 or Irregularly

On the one extreme end, your sump pump may run 24/7 meaning it’s either too small for the job or you may need to check your switch to see if it’s working properly. A pump that runs irregularly may also indicate switch damage or even float damage.

Vibrations

It’s not good vibrations. This could mean the impellers are damaged, which could damage the shaft, which could damage the sump pump as a whole.

Lifespan

A sump pump older than 7 years may need replacement sooner rather than later.

Drains and Sump Pumps

Drains, sump pumps, and pits are in a symbiotic relationship. Around the time you are checking your sump pumps, spend an extra five minutes checking the storm drain and drain tiles connected to the sump pump to ensure they are clean, clear, and leak-free. Clogged or leaking drains as much as damaged sump pumps, can lead to water damage in your home.

The entire plumbing system is interconnected, and we recommend using a plumbing service that is familiar with all the plumbing in your household.

Contact Reliable Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Today! 

We’re the plumbing professionals you can trust for jobs big and small, including drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, broken and leaking pipes, and water restoration.

For all things sump pump, including sump pump maintenance, sump pump replacement, professional sump pump service, and sump pump repair in Cheltenham, PA, and the surrounding areas, contact us today.