How to Tell if You Need a New Sump Pump

Do you have a sump pump? If you’ve ever seen standing water in your basement or crawl space, you need one. Sump pumps pull water out of your basement, pumping it away from your home so that your home is not damaged. If you’ve already got one, great! Now how do you know that it’s in working order and you don’t need a new one? There are several tell-tale signs that will let you know that your sump pump is on its way out.

First, it’s good to understand how a sump pump works. Sump pumps are installed in basements and crawl spaces, and they have two parts: the sump and the pump. The sump is a pit. It’s located at the lowest part of the basement or crawl space, allowing water to naturally run into it. The pump turns on when water collects in the sump, and it pumps the water away from the house. Remember: although the sump pump removes the water, it doesn’t prevent the water from getting in.

When your sump pump needs repair or replacement, you’ll notice some tell-tale warning signs.

• The pump is very noisy. If your sump pump is making much more noise than usual, it probably has a broken part or clogs, or it’s unbalanced. It’s possible that the pump can be repaired, but it’s wise to disconnect the pipe and call in a plumber to identify the problem.
• It’s running too much. If your pump is running constantly but there’s no water in the pit, it’s a sign that something is wrong. The pump may be the wrong size, it may have a stuck switch or a missing check valve, or it may have been kicked into overdrive by continuous flooding. Call in a professional as quickly as possible, so the pump doesn’t burn itself out.
• There’s no water in the sump. If the pit is empty but the pump is running, it may be installed incorrectly.
• The pump has stopped working. If the pump won’t run, it could be burned out or it may be clogged.
• The basement feels perpetually damp. If there’s moisture in the basement or you notice mold or mildew, your sump pump probably isn’t working properly.
• The sump pump may be old. Sump pumps typically have a life expectancy of about 10 years, and if yours gets a lot of use, it may need to be replaced earlier than that.

A family-owned and operated company, Reliable Basement Services has served the greater Chicagoland area for more than ten years. We offer a full spectrum of basement services, charging reasonable rates for work that includes crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor and earned us thousands of satisfied customers all over Chicago. For more information, call (630) 318-4888 or visit our website for a free quote.