It’s normal for Bowling Green, KY and other nearby areas to experience heavy rains as well as extended periods of dry weather. That’s why it’s important to make sure your sump pump is working properly. When it sits unused for weeks or months, it’s easy to forget. Testing the unit before severe weather is an excellent way to keep your home protected against flooding. The last thing you want is for rising groundwater to flood your crawlspaces, basement, and other low-lying areas. A properly functioning sump pump will remove this excess water before it has a chance to cause serious damage.
The Pump Does Not Turn On When Water Rises
It’s quite clear the sump pump isn’t working correctly when water rises in the pit and the pump doesn’t turn on. This issue can stem from one or more problems, including a faulty float switch, a failed motor, or some other damaged or stuck component. If you confirm the pump has power and it doesn’t turn on when water rises in the pit, it’s best to contact a plumber. Do not attempt to disassemble the pump or repair the electrical components yourself. These systems are dangerous to work on without the proper training and equipment.
The Pump Runs but Does Not Remove Water
Even if you hear the motor running, this doesn’t necessarily mean the unit is working correctly. You must make sure it’s actually removing water from the pit.
- Clogged or blocked discharge pipe
- Jammed or damaged impeller
- Failed or stuck check valve
- Air trapped in the pump
- Pump installed incorrectly or undersized
This is another scenario that benefits from scheduling an inspection. A plumber can quickly diagnose the underlying problem and choose the correct repair method.
The Sump Pump Runs Constantly
It’s normal for a sump pump to run for extended periods of time during heavy rainfall. As more and more water enters the pit, the pump will turn on to remove it so it doesn’t flood your basement and crawlspaces. If you hear it constantly running after the heavy rain has stopped, this is when you need to schedule an inspection. The discharged water may be going back into the pit because of a faulty check valve. A plumber can inspect the system to see whether the check valve needs replacement or another component is causing the problem.
You Hear Grinding, Rattling, or Other New Noises
Humming, whirring, and the sound of flowing water are all noises that are normal when a sump pump runs. What you don’t want to hear are grinding, rattling, and clanking noises. These sounds often point to a worn-out motor or a loose component. Even if the pump is effectively removing water, you still need to have the noises inspected before they lead to a complete breakdown.
The Pump Starts and Stops Repeatedly
If the sump pump is constantly turning on, running only for a brief period, shutting off, and then turning on again, this is known as short cycling. It not only puts extreme wear on the system’s components, especially the motor, but also shortens the unit’s overall lifespan. Just like constant running, a short-cycling sump pump is often the result of a faulty float switch, a malfunctioning check valve, or an improperly sized pump. Having the unit inspected and repaired by a plumber is a smart move for protecting your home against unexpected flooding.
You See Rust, Corrosion, or Physical Damage
If you look at the sump pump and see a lot of corrosion, this is a definite sign to book an inspection. The parts that tend to corrode are the pump body, connections, check valve, and discharge piping. That corrosion can end up weakening or damaging these components, making your home more vulnerable to flooding. A plumber can evaluate the extent of the corrosion to determine whether the affected parts need replacement. For systems with severe corrosion, it’s often best to replace the whole setup.
You Do Not Know When the Pump Was Last Tested
When you realize you don’t remember the last time the sump pump ran, that alone is enough reason to test it. Or maybe you recently bought an older home, and you’re not sure whether the sump pump actually works properly. If you send the unit through a test run and discover it doesn’t turn on or remove water from the pit, it’s time to call a plumber.
How to Test Your Sump Pump Before Heavy Rain
Testing the sump pump before the next severe weather event is a straightforward process. We recommend doing this both before the rainy season and after extended periods of inactivity.
- Check to ensure the sump pump is securely plugged into the outlet.
- Make sure the discharge line doesn’t have any blockages from dirt, debris, or ice.
- Pour one to two gallons of water into the pit.
- Watch to see whether the float rises.
- Confirm the pump turns on and removes water from the pit.
- If you notice any unusual noises or the pump fails to remove the water, call a plumber.
What Happens if the Power Goes Out?
One of the most convenient features of a sump pump is that it will run using electricity. You just have to make sure the unit is correctly plugged into an electrical outlet. However, during severe storms, the power may go out. When this happens, the pump won’t turn on to remove the water unless it has a battery backup system.
There are several types of battery backup systems to choose from for sump pumps:
- DC battery backup sump pump
- AC/DC combination sump pump system
- Dual-pump battery backup system
- Inverter battery backup system
When to Repair vs. Replace a Sump Pump
Just because your sump pump isn’t working correctly doesn’t always mean you need to replace it. When the problem is the result of a faulty float switch, clogged discharge line, or damaged check valve, we can often repair it to restore the unit’s optimal performance.
- Failed motor
- Severe corrosion
- Repeated breakdowns
- A pump that consistently cannot keep up
- An aging pump nearing the end of its lifespan
Schedule Professional Heat Pump Service Today
You don’t have to wait until the next major rainstorm to find out whether your sump pump is ready to keep your home protected against flooding. If you send the unit through a test run and everything works correctly, you’re in good shape for the next stretch of wet weather. However, if the test run reveals unusual noises or problems removing water, this gives you the perfect opportunity to schedule an inspection. Here at Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we offer scheduled sump pump repairs as well as emergency services for problems that need immediate attention. Whether you need a faulty float switch repaired or the whole system replaced, our plumbers are ready to keep your home protected against flooding.
Contact Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today to schedule sump pump service in Bowling Green.
