If the soil in your area traps moisture easily, installing a sump pump under your property is a sound investment. The device pumps water out from under the house to keep the foundation dry. If it is damaged, it can’t push water away from the building, which could lead to basement flooding and additional property damage. To prevent this from happening, below are three indicators it’s time to switch out your current sump pump for a new one.   

3 Signs You Should Replace Your Sump Pump

1 Inconsistent Operation

When ice thaws or there’s heavy rainfall, it’s natural for the sump pump to turn on more frequently to drain excess water. But if equipment runs continuously regardless of weather conditions, the check valve could be broken. In this case, water will keep flowing back to the pit.

An issue with the float switch could also cause inconsistencies with equipment operation. During normal operation, the sump pump will automatically turn on when the water level in the pit increases, forcing the float to rise. The float activates an “on” switch when it rises in the water. When water levels drop, the float sinks back down in the pit, activating the sump pump’s “off” switch in the process. If the float is damaged or dislodged, the switch could get stuck in the “on” position, forcing equipment to run non-stop.

2. Strange Noises

If debris gets stuck in the impeller, the sump pump may make a loud commotion when it’s running. The strain to overcome the obstacle will lead to premature mechanical failure. Water in the sump pit helps keep internal components cool. If the pit is empty when equipment is running, the motor and other mechanical components could overheat and break down. An odd sound could indicate damage to one of the mechanisms.     

3. Old Age

With routine maintenance, a sump pump can typically last up to a decade. When equipment reaches the 10-year mark, you might notice the system continues to cycle, can’t drain water properly, and has other problems with efficiency. Also, an old sump pump may not be correctly sized to push out the volume of water used in a modern home. For this reason, an update is ideal.

If you believe it’s time to replace your sump pump, reach out to the plumbers at Cox Construction & Plumbing in Waynesboro, VA, for help. With 25 years of combined experience providing residential and commercial sump pump services in Shenandoah Valley, you can trust them to handle any issue impacting the quality of your system. To schedule an appointment, call (540) 943-8723. Visit the company online for more information about their services and follow them on Facebook for tips.