Is Your Sump Pump About to Fail? 5 Warning Signs to Watch For

Many homes in Georgia with a basement use a sump pump to remove excess water and prevent flooding. If you’re a homeowner with a sump pump, you need to know how to tell if your sump pump is failing before it causes costly water damage. The expert team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling has information about sump pumps, including five warning signs to watch for that may indicate your sump pump is about to fail. Knowing how to recognize these warning signs will help to protect your plumbing, your home, and your sanity.

How to Tell If Your Sump Pump Is Working Properly

First, you need to know how to tell if your sump pump is working properly. A functioning sump pump should turn on automatically whenever the float rises and should start pumping water out through the discharge pipe immediately. It should also turn off as soon as the water is pumped out and the float drops. A properly working sump pump should operate quietly without making loud rattling, humming, or grinding sounds. You should also see consistent water flow from the discharge pipe outside when the sump pump is in operation. 

Here’s how to test your sump pump to confirm that it’s working.

• Step one: Remove the lid from the sump pump pit and pour a five-gallon bucket of water into it to see if the water level rises, triggers the float switch to turn on the pump, and starts pumping the water out.
• Step two: Manually lift the float switch to activate the pump for just a few seconds, confirming that this manual method turns the pump on.
• Step three: Test the sump pump’s power supply by unplugging the cord and plugging it directly into the wall to see if it turns the motor on. 

Now that you know how to tell if your sump pump is working properly, here are five warning signs to look for that may indicate the pump is about to fail.

1. Strange Noises or Vibrations During Operation

A properly functioning sump pump should run smoothly and quietly. If your pump is making strange noises or vibrating during operation, it may be on the verge of breaking down. Excess vibrations may indicate a failing impeller, while strange noises could be due to debris stuck inside the pump or a worn-out component. 

2. Sump Pump Runs Constantly Even Without Rain

Your sump pump should only run when water needs to be removed. However, if it’s continuously running, even when it’s not raining, you may have a faulty check valve, or the float switch could be stuck. On the other hand, it’s important to know what to do if your sump pump stops working during a storm to prevent flooding and possible sewer backups.

3. Water in the Pit Isn’t Draining Properly

Water in the sump pit should drain thoroughly to prevent flooding your home. If it’s not draining properly, it could be due to a clogged discharge pipe or a problem with the float switch. A faulty check valve, loss of power, or a clogged pump impeller are other common causes of improper drainage. 

4. Power Issues or Frequent Tripped Breakers

Most of the time, a tripped breaker is caused by motor overload from clogs or because the sump pump is faulty. An electrical short circuit from water exposure or a wiring issue is also a common cause of power issues or frequently tripped breakers. If you experience these issues, we recommend calling Ricky Heath for sump pump repair and installation in Macon, GA, and beyond.

5. Strange Odors or Visible Rust

If you notice strange, unpleasant odors in your home, it may be due to stagnant water, mold, or something more serious, like a sewage leak. Each of these causes may eventually lead to sump pump failure. Visible signs of rust can be a sign of bacteria feeding on the iron in the water, leading to excess wear and corrosion that can cause a breakdown. 

What to Do If Your Sump Pump Fails

Your sump pump plays a vital role in protecting your home. Here’s what to do if your sump pump fails.

• Immediately unplug your sump pump and turn off the power to the basement at the circuit breaker.
• Remove standing water with a wet/dry vac and use a hand pump for larger amounts of water.
• If you have any furniture, electronics, or other valuables in the basement, try to move them outside or to a dry area of your home as soon as possible.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out your basement, and if you have any windows, open them to support and encourage ventilation. 
• Contact the experts at Ricky Heath to diagnose and repair or replace your sump pump.
• Call your homeowner’s insurance company to file a claim if your home or belongings are damaged. 

When to Replace vs. Repair a Sump Pump

You may wonder whether it’s best to replace or repair your sump pump. You might also wonder when it comes to a submersible vs a pedestal sump pump, which is best for your home? Here’s what you need to know about when to replace or repair your sump pump.

When to replace

• If your sump pump is seven to 10 years old or older, it’s likely time to replace it.
• Sump pumps with a burned-out motor or other major mechanical failure should be replaced.
• Replace your sump pump if you experience recurring or persistent problems that continue even after repairs.
• A sump pump that is not sized correctly for your home should be replaced as soon as possible. 

When to repair

• A sump pump that experiences minor issues like a stuck float switch or clogged discharge line can typically be repaired.
• Newer sump pumps that are around seven years old or younger should continue to operate smoothly with just a simple repair.
• If the repair is affordable and the sump pump is in good working condition overall, a repair should suffice.

Call Ricky Heath Today!

The team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is available for all of your sump pump needs, including repairs and replacements. We’re proud to serve customers throughout many areas of Georgia since 1998 with care, speed, and quality. If you’d like to schedule sump pump service, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I test my sump pump?

You should test your sump pump at least once a year. Ideally, it’s best to test your sump pump twice per year, once in the spring before rainy weather begins, and again in the fall. If you live in an area prone to heavy rain, we recommend testing your sump pump monthly.

What if my pump runs but doesn’t remove water?

If your pump is running but not removing any water, inspect the discharge pipe to look for clogs. If the line is clear, there may be an airlock in the pump. To resolve this, gently tilt the pump until it releases excess air. If it’s still not working, call Ricky Heath for sump pump repairs.

Does unplugging a sump pump reset it?

Yes, unplugging your sump pump for a few minutes and then plugging it back in is a simple way to reset it, but if the pump has mechanical problems, resetting it won’t resolve the issue. Contact Ricky Heath if you’ve reset your sump pump but it’s still not working correctly.