How To Spot The Signs of Sump Pump Failure

Sump Pumps have a big role in keeping your house safe from those dreaded basement floods. They do this by removing the excess water that accumulates in the sump pit, which helps prevent your home and belongings from water damage.

Other than ruining your items, water damage can also lead to mold growth and other structural issues. Which is why it is important to make sure your sump pump is operating correctly before disaster strikes.

In this blog post, Lutz Plumbing will highlight the signs of sump pump failure so you are always prepared and your home is always protected. 

Understanding Sump Pumps

To get a better understanding of how sump pump failure occurs and what that failure looks like, it’s important to understand how these pieces of equipment work.

Typically, sump pumps are installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space, which plumbers or contractors will refer to as the “sump pit.” They are usually activated by a float switch that rises with the water level, which then triggers the pump to activate. 

The most common types of sump pumps are submersible and pedestal. Pedestal pumps have a motor mounted above the pit and submersible pumps are placed directly into the pit, and become fully submerged in water.

However, both types of sump pumps operate using the same principle in protecting your home from flooding. To ensure they are working correctly, proper installation is paramount. A sump pump that is installed correctly will have a sealed lid or cover to prevent debris and odors from getting into the basement. Also, the discharge pipe will be aimed away from the foundation and should be extended several feet away from the house.

Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure

Overall, sump pumps are quite reliable. But not everything can work perfectly forever, and there are multiple factors that can lead to their failure. Let’s cover a few of the primary reasons why sump pumps may fail:

Power outages and Electrical Issues

Sump pumps rely on electricity to operate, so power outages can render them ineffective during heavy rainstorms or flooding events. Additionally, electrical issues such as faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker can disrupt the pump's functioning. It's important to have a backup power source, such as a battery backup system or a generator, to ensure your sump pump continues to operate even during power outages.

Mechanical Failure/Old Equipment

As the rule for most mechanical machines, wear and tear over the years can cause performance issues. On your sump pump, perhaps the motor, impeller, float switch or valve could develop some problems over time which will affect performance. The older your sump pump is, the more prone to failure. This is why receiving regularly scheduled maintenance is essential.

Incorrect Installation

If your sump pump was installed incorrectly, the chances of a system failure are greatly increased. Sometimes even the size of your sump pump could be wrong, such as an undersized sump pump will not be able to handle the volume of water in your area which can cause it to overload. Make sure you work with a trusted sump pump installation specialist to make sure it is the right fit for your home.

Lack Of Maintenance

If you haven’t been taking care of your sump pump over the years, now is a better time to start than not at all. Neglecting routine maintenance like cleaning the tank, inspecting components or clearing out any debris in the pit will leave the door open for clogs and motor issues. Make sure to stay on top of regular sump pump maintenance .

It’s important to stay proactive so you can properly address any of these issues. Next we will cover the signs to keep an eye or ear out for that will really help you be aware when something may have gone wrong with your sump pump.

Signs Of Sump Pump Failure

Here are some common indicators that your sump pump is experiencing issues:

Unusual Noises or Vibrations

Keep an ear out for weird noises or obnoxious vibrations coming from your sump pump. If you hear something that sounds like grinding, rattling or squealing, this could suggest some troubling mechanical problems. Excessive vibration could mean loose components or misalignment.

Frequent On/Off Cycling

If you’ve noticed your sump pump turning on and off frequently and rapidly, your sump pump is probably experiencing short cycling. This can start due to a number of reasons, like a faulty float switch, an incorrect pump size, or another pipe may be blocked. If your sump pump is short cycling, this greatly increases the risk of flooding.

Drain Failure

If you happen to notice that your sump pump is not activating when it should be or it isn’t draining water properly, this means there is more than likely a mechanical error occurring. This could be a clogged pump or discharge pipe, a motor failure or a malfunctioning float switch.

Mold Growth or Strong Odors

If your sump pump is operating correctly, it will prevent moisture and dampness from building up in the basement. If you start to notice signs of mold, mildew or foul odors, this could mean your sump pump isn’t properly removing water from the sump pit.

Contact Lutz Plumbing for Sump Pump Installation, Replacement, and Repair

It’s our hope that this blog post will inform you how important it is to make sure your sump pump is operating correctly.

If you find that your sump pump may be dealing with any of the above issues, give Lutz Plumbing a call ! Our team is ready and available for installation of new sump pumps, replacing your old one, and we’re also here to offer sump pump repairs and routine maintenance to keep yours running smoothly for a long time to come.