Signs You Need a New Sump Pump: Tips for Illinois Homes
Your Sump Pump is 7 Years or Older
One of the easiest ways to determine if you need a new sump is if it's about seven years or older. The general lifespan of a sump pump is seven to 10 years, so once it hits the seven-year mark, you should start keeping an eye out for any issues that could signal the end of its service life.
It's Making Weird or Loud Noises
If you're hearing noises coming from your sump pump, it's probably at the end of its life. Noises often mean that the pump is damaged in some way, which can happen after years of operation. If you hear anything other than a low humming, it's likely time for a replacement.
Heavy/Excessive Vibrating
Is your sump pump vibrating? That could mean it's sucked up debris that has damaged the impeller inside. In theory, this issue can be repaired, but if the debris has been in the sump pump for a while, there's likely significant&and permanent—damage to the pump.
Rust
Metal and water don't mix. Rusting is an inevitable problem when you have a sump pump, but this means it's time for a new unit. If you're seeing rust around the base of the pump, chances are there's more that you can't see. Rust can coat and clog the pump, leading to motor failure.
Frozen or Clogged Discharge Line
The discharge line is what carries the accumulated water outside your home to protect its foundation. It's possible for the line to get clogged with sediment or debris, or to freeze in the winter (not uncommon in frigid Illinois winters); in this case, you need a replacement to ensure your sump pump is still working properly to protect your home.
Infrequent Use
If you live in an area without much flooding or you don't have to worry about moisture getting into your home much, your sump pump may need to be replaced. If heavy rain is infrequent where you live, be sure to test your pump occasionally to see if infrequent use is impacting its performance.
Running Constantly
On the other hand, your sump pump running constantly is another sign you need a new one. This is likely a switch problem, a common issue with sump pumps. If the pump has shifted inside the basin, maybe when the water gets high, the switch could lose its connection to the power source. From there, the switch may fail and your pump will need to be replaced.
Frequent or Irregular Cycling
If your sump pump is cycling on and off constantly, or cycling on and off when it shouldn't be, it could be damaged or too small to handle the volume of water your basement gets. It could be as simple as needing to adjust the float switch so the pump doesn't come on with only a few inches of water accumulation; nonetheless, you should call Abt's plumbing team for assistance.
Frequent Power Outages
Sump pumps are typically connected to your home's electrical system, leaving some of its parts vulnerable to damage from power outages. If those outages happen frequently, there can be permanent damage. If possible, invest in a backup battery for your pump.
Rising Energy Costs
If your energy bill is suddenly much higher, there's a possibility that your sump pump is to blame. You can look at the breakdown of your monthly bill to see when usage spikes; if it aligns with times when your sump pump is on, it could mean something is wrong. A sump pump suddenly using more energy than normal most likely means it's failing.
Abt's Expert Sump Pump Installation for Illinois Homes
You've determined you need a new sump pump. What do you do now? Luckily, Abt's trained plumbing staff can install a new sump pump to keep your home dry and safe. Even if you're unsure whether or not you need a repair or a replacement, our team can come out and assess the issue. If you're ready for a visit from Abt's in-house plumbing team, you can fill out the form below to get started:
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Otherwise, browse the rest of our plumbing services to see all the ways Abt can help keep your home running smoothly. You can also see the full list of Illinois cities we service to determine if you're within our service radius.
