How do I know if my sump pump needs to be replaced?

Is your sump pump more than ten years old? If this describes the situation at your property, now is the right time to start considering replacing it. There are a few clear signs you can look for to see if your sump pump needs replacement:

The Sump Pump Is Old - Old sump pumps lose their effectiveness. Ten years is the maximum life for many models, and age makes a difference in performance. Check records to discover how old the sump pump is to determine if it's time for repair or replacement. 

Remember that suitable sump pumps run between five to ten years. Unfortunately, lower-cost units may not have anywhere near the same lifespan. Don't expect any unit to last longer; if the brand is unknown, it could wear out quicker.

Age is one sign of a possible need for replacing the unit. A new pump will get you back up and running. New units also run better across the board. In addition, a new generation pump will be much more energy efficient than the one it replaces, which means electricity bill savings.

The Pump Vibrates Excessively - Sump pumps can collect debris. Over time, excessive debris can damage the impeller fan, which plays a critical role in the operation.

If you have a broken impeller, the shaft experiences excessive wear, putting added tension on the unit itself.

Also, be wary of strange noises emanating from the pump. Generally, mechanical failure is already happening or is about to occur soon.

If pump operation is usually quiet, weird sounds could indicate an issue. A new unit will be more silent due to manufacturing advancements, so making an upgrade can reduce noise.  

The Pump Can't Keep Pace - If you notice that the pump is no longer pushing as much water as it once did, you might have a problem. A mechanical issue could be to blame.

Basement Flooding Even Without A Lot Of Rain - Standing water or flooding indicates the pump is no longer doing its job. In this situation, you won't want to delay too long to consider getting a new sump pump. 

Any amount of water in the interior of your home can cause damage to your property, and it doesn't take long for a dangerous and unhealthy situation to arise. 

The Sump Pump Runs Constantly- A faulty switch is the most common reason a pump continues running. The float serves the purpose of turning the power switch on and off.  

Switching problems sometimes happen if the pump shifts inside the basin. When this occurs, the float can malfunction. A bad connection between the switch and the power is another cause of sump pump operation.

Tethered switches frequently drift to one side of the pump and are susceptible to getting caught on the sump basin. Vertical floats, including plastic attachments, can break easily. When pumps vibrate, this could cause them to push any float switch against the side of the sump pump basin.

The Sump Pump Has Rusted Out - Here's another indicator a sump pump is reaching the end of life. Rust is a sign of age and a lot of use. The time in service and the amount of wear and tear determine whether your pump can continue to perform.

Rusty pumps are likely old and running poorly. If your budget allows, upgrading to a newer unit is practical. That will result in water damage.

If you are unsure whether your sump pump needs replacement, it is always a good idea to call a professional to look at it. 

Things To Look For In A Replacement Sump Pump

When your basement starts to flood, or you notice that your sump pump isn't working as well as it once did, it's time to start shopping for a new one. Here are a few specific things to keep in mind when shopping for a new sump pump:

How Serious Is the Water Problem? - The type of sump pump you need will depend on the severity of your flooding problem. For example, if you only experience occasional flooding, a submersible pump might be all you need. 

But if your basement floods frequently or the water is deep, you'll need a more powerful pump, like a pedestal or sewage ejector pump.

What Size Do You Need? - The size of the sump pit is also essential. Make sure to get a big enough pump to handle the water. 

You'll need a bigger pump if you live in an area that sees heavy rain throughout the year or has an enormous basement or crawlspace with more room for water to collect.

After that, you'll need to choose a surface-mounted or submersible sump pump for your property. It's directly beneath your home's foundation. Sump pumps mounted to the surface get installed above ground. Both work effectively to divert flood water.

Smaller pumps have easier installations. However, a significant drawback is they can only handle a limited amount of water. Larger pumps can move water faster, but they do require maintenance.

If you don't want to handle the purchase and installation yourself, contact Geiler. 

Invest In A Pump With An Accurate Volume Pump 

You'll also want to ensure that the new sump pump you choose can handle the same volume of water as your old pump. If not, you could end up with an even bigger flooding problem.

A new sump has many benefits. First, energy efficiency boosts and better performance make it worth the investment. 

Plus, you get more protection against water damage, which remains the top priority. Contact our team for more information about sump pumps and our service if you could use help with your sump pump system in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, or Southeastern Indiana. 

With over thirteen decades of experience, you can rely on us for all your plumbing needs.