How To Tell If a Sump Pump Is Failing in Your Lyndhurst Home: 7 Signs

Maintaining sump pumps is crucial for flood prevention on Lyndhurst properties. Yet, even with the most consistent maintenance, inspections, and cleanings, these devices will eventually develop a problem that affects their performance. The best way to extend the lifespan of your interior drainage device is to know how to tell if a sump pump is failing so that you can schedule immediate repairs. 

Learn the top warning signs of sump pump failure below.

Unusual Sump Pump Noises

Generally, a sump pump won't be overly noisy when it's running. At most, it might produce a steady, low hum. If your property’s equipment starts producing loud noises resembling a washing machine, grinding, or rattling sound, it needs professional sump pump repair.

Other strange sump pump noises can occur for multiple reasons. However, the most likely culprit would be a damaged impeller, which needs replacement.

Sump Pump Not Running or Turning On

Sometimes, homes in Lyndhurst experience overflowing sump pits because their devices fail to turn on. That doesn't immediately mean the sump pump is failing. For example, it could be that your property has experienced a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker, which might stop electricity from flowing to the sump pump.

Another reason a sump pump won't turn on is a tangled float switch. This switch activates the machine once enough water fills the sump basin, but it won’t work if it is tangled or damaged. A professional will need to replace this sump pump float switch.

Issues With the Float Switch

Tangling isn't the only problem that float switches can develop. You can also have problems with your sump pump's operation if the float switch falls into one of the following categories:

• Low float switch setting: Is your sump pump's float switch set too low? This will cause frequent pump activation and premature wear, as the pump will turn on when the sump pit isn't yet full. 
• High float switch setting: Setting the float switch too high may cause the sump pit to overflow because the device won't turn on until it's too late. 
• Failing float switch: As with any other mechanical component, a float switch can fail. If it does, your sump pump will need a replacement part.

Pump Runs Too Often

It might seem good to let a sump pump run all the time to prevent flooding, but that’s not the reality. Learning how to tell if a sump pump is failing means understanding the basic mechanics and shelf-life of these machines. 

The longer any device runs, the more it wears down and the more likely it is to have some type of issue. For instance, the sump pump in your Lyndhurst crawl space or basement might not be powerful enough to handle the amount of water seeping into your property. If so, don’t wait to schedule an inspection by an experienced local plumber like Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co.

Rust or Corrosion on the Sump Pump

Since sump pumps work in and near water, it's possible for components to form rust and, eventually, to corrode. The most common sources of sump pump rust are battery corrosion and bacteria. These problems also result in discharge line clogs.

Schedule sump pump repair immediately if you see rust anywhere on the device.

Clogged Sump Pump Pipelines

A blockage in a sump pump discharge line isn't only inconvenient if you happen to have flooding, it can cause flooding. Clogs can also lead to pump failure.

When water can't flow through the discharge line to the designated drainage area, the water will back up into the sump pit. The excess water will trigger the float switch, forcing the sump pump to empty the basin again. This constant cycle wears down the sump pump fast and risks water damage.

Excessive Vibrations

When a sump pump turns on, its impeller inside the catch basin draws water into the drain lines. If this impeller sucks up debris, damage may follow. A broken impeller causes the sump pump to shake or vibrate too much, especially when it turns on.

Unfortunately, you can't fix impeller damage and will need to replace the whole sump pump. 

Preserve Your Sump Pump With Help From Professional Lyndhurst Plumbers

Can a sump pump drain into sewers? If you have questions or suspect your machine needs repairs, contact Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. We know how to tell if a sump pump is failing, conduct the necessary device maintenance, and help you with flood prevention in Lyndhurst, Ohio.

Let our licensed professionals’ hands-on experience accurately resolve your sump pump troubles. Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. strives to provide stress-free, one-stop solutions to any plumbing issue in northeast Ohio. Call 440- 943-0033 today to request your free estimate!