Since most basements are beneath water level (or almost), they can easily flood—especially when it rains. To compensate, sump pumps activate when the water level in a sump pit breaches a certain threshold. They drain the liquid out of the room to keep it dry and free of water damage. To avoid costly issues and repairs, it’s helpful to recognize when these units require repair or replacement.

Warning Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention

1. Noisy Operation

Sump pumps should be mostly silent while running. If yours seems to rattle, grind, or thud whenever it operates, investigate the issue immediately, as it could indicate foreign material, a jammed impeller, or other problems. Allowing your unit to run with a jammed impeller, in particular, could cause it to overheat and fail to prevent water damage.

2. Inoperative

The most obvious sign your sump pump is failing is when it won’t perform its function at all. If you’ve ensured that your unit is connected to the power supply, but it still won’t activate, call a professional. If it fails to pump water even if it does appear to be running, components may require readjustment.

3. Old Lifespan

Most sump pumps can be expected to last up to 10 years—though this number varies depending on maintenance and use. If yours has been performing poorly in recent months and is about that old, replace it preemptively if possible to prevent water damage and mold proliferation.

4. Continuous Running

Sump pumps are not designed to run for extended periods. However, an abnormally large volume of water or a long pumping distance can sometimes cause a pump not to shut off. If yours runs for hours on end, you might have the wrong sized unit for your basement. To prevent wasted power, consider replacing it with a smaller one.

5. Electrical Damage

Sump pumps often fail because of excessive power surges, which happen frequently when power is restored following an outage. If your unit is connected to your home’s electrical system, consider setting up a separate battery or generator for it. Since power outages often happen during storms—when it is particularly active—doing so may be safer in the long run.

Sometimes sump pumps fail, leaving homeowners to deal with water damage, mold, and escalating infrastructure problems in their wake. If you need help getting back to normal, turn to ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services in Lexington, KY. With over 60 years of restoration and reconstruction experience, they’ll return your home to its former condition. To make an inquiry, call (859) 309-9964. More information about their water damage and mold remediation services is available online.