A sump pump protects your home from flooding by removing water from the basement. However, homeowners may forget about this safety feature until it’s too late, which could result in expensive water damage. To avoid this scenario, have a reputable plumber service it if you notice the signs below.

When Should You Schedule Sump Pump Repair?

1. Strange Sounds

This issue is likely due to malfunctioning or old parts that a plumber must replace. Depending on the noise, it will indicate different problems. For example, if you hear grinding or rattling, you likely have a damaged impeller. This component pulls water into the sump pump before removing it. An impeller might experience damage if it picks up hard debris, such as rocks or floating objects.

2. Visible Rust & Mold

Although you might think rust is superficial and won't cause severe damage, it often comes from harmful Iron bacteria. In addition to discoloration, this bacteria produces a gel that will clog your sump pump and spread to other parts of your plumbing.

Additionally, damaged or malfunctioning parts in the appliance might cause water to pool instead of removing them from the basement. In these moist conditions, mold can grow and emit unpleasant and harmful odors. Mold can also trigger allergic reactions, coughing, and irritated eyes.

3. Unusual Activity

Most sump pumps are automatic and rely on a pressure sensor or float activator to turn on and off. If your system uses a pressure sensor, it turns on when water applies more pressure to the sensor than air. If your systems use a float activator, a ball hovers on the water in your pump and will activate when the water rises above a certain level.

If your system malfunctions, you might notice your sump pump turning off when it’s raining and on when it’s not. It may also appear to be constantly running, which wears down the appliance and raises utility bills. One possibility is that the pump shifted inside the basin, pushing the float activator against the side and rendering it ineffective. However, you’ll need a plumber to determine the particular issue.

 

Ensure your home is ready for any weather with sump pump services from Martin Plumbing in Crossville, TN. For over 25 years, these reputable plumbers have been serving the local community by detecting leaks, servicing water heaters, installing water filtration systems, and more. They understand plumbing is essential to your home and provide 24/7 emergency service. Schedule an appointment with one of their plumbers by calling (931) 484-0866.