
Testing: Water will be poured into the pit to test the system and ensure all of the parts are doing their job correctly and with the highest efficiency.

Building rust will also be rubbed away and checked for impact.Ĭlearing: Your technician will check the lines to make sure there aren't any obstructions so that your system doesn't have to work harder than it needs to in order to push water through. It is very common for debris to affect the floater, preventing it from properly detecting water levels, and this will be addressed during your service. Your maintenance technician will remove these to keep the equipment from clogging. They will replace the battery on the backup sump pump if needed.Ĭleaning: Your pump handles a lot of dirt and debris. Then they will clean the air hole in the sump pump's discharge line and listen for any noises coming from the motor. The contractor will normally fill the sump pit with water to make sure your pump is operating properly by discharging water and checking the float. It is important to schedule regular, professional maintenance to keep your system running smoothly in order to avoid water damage that could result in costly repairs. You may have burnt-out or locked-up components which require attention, or your pump may have reached the end of its lifetime. If your unit isn't engaged after heavy rainfall, you should definitely have it looked at. In situations like this, it may be helpful to install a second pump. Similarly, if it is overloaded and cannot handle the amount of water coming into the pit, the motor may burn out. This could cause the motor to fail from overexertion. Constant Runningĭebris and stuck or missing check valves can keep the motor running day and night. Don't wait until the next big rain to have this inspected, as you will risk water damage to your basement. Your contractor can talk to you about adding backup power. We always recommend investing in a backup generator in the event that you lose power during a storm to make sure water doesn't enter your basement. Most sump pumps are wired into your home's electrical system. It may also be that the wiring has failed. During dry spells, you may even notice an odor coming from your pump which could signal a need for cleaning and testing. If your area goes through a dry spell, it is important to fill the pit with water to keep these parts from locking up. Stuck valves, which keep water from coming back into the pit from the pipe, and floaters, which detect water level, will render your pump useless until they are fixed. There are a number of device components that could get stuck, either from collected debris, caught air, or lack of use. If you have an older model, loud noises could signal a need for replacement. Clanging could simply mean that you need to insulate your pipe. Humming can mean that your air lock is clogged, or that your check valve or impeller is jammed. You're likely to notice, however, if something is off with the sound. Pedestal models will make regular noises, while submersed ones are much quieter. Any rust that can't simply be scrubbed away could signal a weakness in the material, and the associated parts will need to be replaced. Some modern pumps won't have rust issues if they are made with rust-resistant materials or are waterproofed like submersible models. RustĪs with any equipment which handles water, rust can be a significant problem.

Your technician will likely recommend investing in a new one, rather than get your current one through another year and risk failure. At this point in its life, it is likely that the cost of repairs wouldn't be far behind the cost of a complete replacement. It is recommended to replace your unit every 7 to 10 years. Plus, handling electronic equipment around water can be dangerous and requires special training. It is best to get advice from a professional if you see any of these signs, as the problem could be more severe than rust and debris. Many of these signs will be obvious to you, while others may be found during your annual maintenance service. Your unit will likely throw up a warning flag if it needs fixing. Signs Your Pump Needs Repairing or Replacing Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more.
