Out of Sight Doesn't Mean Out of Mind

Once your sump pump system is installed and fired up, you’d think it would be all set. It works so reliably that it becomes an invisible or forgotten piece in your basement that's tucked away in a corner or a closet. It's working quietly, doing its job, until one day it isn't. The truth is, your sump pump is such an important part of keeping your basement dry and needs a little attention every so often to ensure it's running at its best!

So he's your guide to what you should check regularly and which signs to watch for!

How to Perform a Sump Pump Health Check

Each year, you should run through this list, especially before the rainy season!

1. First, find your sump pump pit. This is the crock or basin where your sump pump lives.
2. Next, carefully pour a few gallons of water into the pit. The goal is to add enough so you can activate the float switch.
3. Then watch and listen! As you add the water and activate the float switch, the pump should turn on. This causes the water you added to be pushed through the discharge pipe and then shut off automatically once the water level drops. The sound should be a confident, steady whirr!
4. Lastly, head out and inspect the discharge pipe. You want to make sure water is flowing freely from the discharge pipe and that there aren’t any clogs or obstructions.

Signs That Your Sump Pump Is Failing

This is a list of things you should always be on the lookout for with your sump pump. When doing the health check, you may start to notice some of these as well.

• A healthy sump pump should make a steady whirring sound. But if the pump is making a rattling, grinding, or any other loud noise, then it's probably trying to tell you something! The problem could be caused by a broken impeller, a worn-out motor, or a blockage.
• If your pump is always running, even when it's been dry, there could be a few reasons why. It could be a sign of a high water table, the float switch could be stuck, or a pump that's too small for your basement. When your pump is constantly running, it not only wastes energy but also puts a lot of strain on the pump's motor and starts to shorten its lifespan.
• The pump running at odd times of day is another sign. Maybe you haven't heard your pump run in a while, and there's been rain, which is a red flag that something is wrong with your sump pump. It could be due to an electrical issue, such as a tripped circuit, or the pump could have completely failed.
• When looking at your pump, you should always keep your eyes peeled for any signs of rust. It could be a sign that the battery case or the motor is on its way to failing!
• Did you know that the average lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years? If you have a system in place that's older than that, then you're on borrowed time, and the clock is ticking for you to replace it before it fails!

When you're proactive, you stay on top of annual maintenance and monitor the sump pump system, helping you avoid costly disasters! This small investment of time results in a big piece of mind. But if you ever see any of these warning signs, your first step is to call us here at Frank's Basement Systems!