Your home is the foundation for your family, but your home’s foundation is what keeps your structure safe and secure. Water that makes its way to your basement threatens to weaken your home’s foundation if not for a sump pump.
The job of a sump pump is crucial to keeping your foundation moisture-free. It works at all hours of the day or night to whisk water away and prevent pooling. In fact, you probably only notice it when there’s a problem. But how do you know if your sump pump is going bad?
Let’s take a look at the top signs you need a sump pump replacement.
How to Tell if Your Sump Pump Needs Replacement
If you’ve ever owned a new car and suddenly noticed an unfamiliar sound or vibration, it can send chills down your spine as you wonder what could be wrong. Unlike a car, you rarely come into contact with your sump pump, so you may not notice if there is a problem until it’s too late.
Here are four signs your sump pump is going bad.
It Seems to Run All the Time
If your sump pump sounds like it’s taking longer than usual to process water, it is probably time for a repair or replacement. As sump pumps age, they lose the horsepower required to effectively remove water from your basement. If left unattended, water can begin to pool, leading to mold and mildew.
It Doesn’t Turn Off
A sump pump that continues to cycle without stopping may have an issue with the switch, the float, or may not be able to handle the volume of water it is processing. Because your sump pump plays such an important role in keeping your home’s foundation water-free, have a professional take a look. It may be a simple fix instead of a complete repair.
Loud or Continuous Vibrations
When water processed through your sump pump contains debris, it can get caught in the sump pump’s internal mechanisms leading to noise and vibration. Specifically, the sump pump’s impeller, which is responsible for pulling water in, can get damaged or bent from debris. If not fixed, this type of damage may result in a repair.
Brown Water or Visible Rust
If you noticed brown water, it might be due to rust present within the sump pump or bacteria in the water. Bacteria from rust, called iron bacteria, can cause water to turn brown. While it doesn’t pose a serious human health risk, brown water can lead to the formation of a gel-like substance. This gel can damage your plumbing system by grabbing on to debris and clogging drainage pipes.
We recommend checking your sump pump regularly to ensure it’s in good working condition.
Keep in mind that most sump pumps need to be replaced every seven years. If you’re not sure when your sump pump was first installed, or you need a sump pump installation in Toronto, ON, let us know.
Professional Toronto Plumbing Services
Whether you’ve just noticed an issue with your sump pump or are experiencing an emergency, our team is here for you. We offer professional, reliable plumbing and sump pump services in Toronto, ON, and the surrounding area. Give us a call today to speak with a friendly member of our team!