5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps are a vital part of the drainage system for most homes and ensure that water is removed from the basement and kept away from the house when there’s an excessive amount. But if your sump pump has been in use for more than 10 to 15 years, it might be time to replace it before it stops working completely.Contact Sarkinen Plumbing for their services, they will tell if your pump is about to fail and recommend the best solutions for your home. However, there are a few signs that will let you know when it’s time for a new sump pump.

Excessive Vibrations

One of the main reasons the sump pump might need replacing is experiencing excessive vibrations. This can occur for a number of reasons, including poor installation or a sump pump that has been dropped and damaged. Regardless of the cause, you might need to replace your sump pump soon. When a sump pump is functioning properly, you won’t hear any abnormal vibrations; but when you do, there are chances that the motor is about to go bad and needs replacement.

However, if your sump pump is still functioning but the vibrations are excessive, you may have to get some advice from a professional about whether or not it’s repairable.

It Runs Constantly 

If your sump pump is constantly running, it’s a sign that there aren’t enough holes for the water to drain away from the house. This can be a problem if you have high water tables or live near a water body. If your sump pump runs constantly, you’ll want to get it replaced quickly, as this puts added stress on the parts and can cause them to break down faster or fail all together. Also, you may need to change the bearings, spindles, and seals to prevent further damage.

It’s making strange noises:

Sump pumps are always going to be making sounds when they pump water, but if you notice this sound coming from the sump pump with each pumping cycle is different, it could be a sign that something is broken or the bearings are going bad, which will cause them to freeze up and not work correctly. If noise or vibration is consistently present from your sump pump, you should get professional advice to see what you can do with it.

A few times, the sound is very high-pitched and can be annoying to hear at times, but this cannot normally be avoided and will need to be checked out by a professional if it continues.

The Sump Pump Is Old

As with all mechanical devices, the sump pump will have a shelf life, and you’ll need to replace it at some point if nothing else other than for replacement parts. The average shelf life for a sump pump is about 10 to 15 years or even longer, depending on the amount of use it gets. So if your sump pump is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consider replacing the unit altogether.

Additionally, old pumps can become clogged with sediment and metal shavings, leading to buildup inside and around the pump. Clogged pumps will provide no water flow since they cannot move any water or even strain to do so, making them useless.

It’s Covered in Rust

If your sump pump is covered in rust, chances are there’s water around the pump, which means that the water is pooling over time and not draining away when it shouldn’t. This will eventually damage your pump casing and cause it to start leaking or stop working completely. It is best to have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage or stop pumping altogether. 

However, in some instances, microorganisms known as iron-eating bacteria can cause a discoloration that appears like rust. Though this is rare, it’s better to replace the pump than risk rusting the motor causing clogs and other complications.

Sump pumps are a vital part of your home’s drainage system, but it’s important to replace the sump pump if you notice any of the signs above. A professional plumber can help you determine whether or not your sump pump needs replacement and explain which type is best for your home. 

However, it may be necessary to buy a new sump pump instead of repairing a troublesome one. In addition, sump pumps do wear down over time, so be sure to check yours periodically for excessive vibrations or noises and take care of the problem quickly before it spreads further and causes more damage.