Four Signs That Your Sump Pump Is Stressed Out (and How You Can Help)

Today’s homeowners take many precautions to prevent water from leaking into their houses. This is why you hear so much about sump pumps—they help avoid water damage in case of flooding or plumbing failure. But because it runs continuously (when it needs to) in order to do its job, your system can become stressed over time. What happens then? The plumbing experts at Cliff Bergin & Associates have the answer—we’re sharing four signs you can watch for to know if your sump pump needs a little help.

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What Does a Sump Pump Do?

This device is installed in a sump basin and catches groundwater as it comes in. It’s like another form of flood insurance—water fills the pump’s basin, prompting the unit to turn on via switch. The system then helps whisk away the water in the basin, pushing it either on grade or to the storm sewer.

How Can I Tell If the System Is Stressed?

  • It’s making strange noises. Odd sounds coming from the sump pump usually mean that one or more of its parts are worn or damaged. For example, if you hear rattling or grinding, it’s likely due to a bad impeller—the part that pulls groundwater into the actual pump. Have one of our professionals take a look and diagnose the problem.
  • It’s not keeping up with water demands. In some cases, a single pump simply can’t keep up with large volumes of water coming in. If you experience this, either upgrade to a larger unit or consider a battery-powered back-up pump—this will take over when the first system gets overwhelmed. Battery pumps also have the advantage of working during power outages.
  • The discharge lines are blocked. The water your sump pump collects is usually emptied out through discharge lines. Because the system is working continuously, those lines can become clogged—if you see water coming out above ground, this is likely the reason. Make sure the line is clear where it comes out of the ground, usually near the ditch or storm sewer.
  • The pump’s crock/basin gets dirty. Over time, dirt, grime, and bacteria can build up inside the sump pump’s basin and clog the system itself, preventing it from properly discharging water. Get rid of any standing water with a bucket and wet/dry vacuum, then rinse out the dirt and grime with a hose to keep the basin clean.

 

Choose Cliff Bergin’s Expert Plumbers to Prevent Water Damage

No matter what you might experience with your sump pump, the plumbing pros at Cliff Bergin can test and inspect your system to ensure that it’s ready to work whenever you need it. There’s a reason why your neighbors have trusted us to handle plumbing repairs and installations of all kinds—we’re simply the better choice. Call us today for service at 262-242-2456 or contact us online.