Is your sump pump running smoothly?

A sump pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of a home, yet it is often given little thought…as long as it continues to do its job properly. If you have a sump pump that is five or more years old in your home, it is in your best interest to give it a little more attention. There are warning signs that can indicate your sump pump is dying, and a little watchfulness on your part can save you a lot of aggravation and expensive water damage in the long run.

Pay attention to the water and humidity in your basement. Does your pump keep up with incoming water, particularly during heavy rains or spring thaws? Of course, standing water is an obvious indication of trouble, but you should also be aware of other signs of trouble. Any odors in the basement or vicinity of the sump pump. A musty odor can be a sign of mold or mildew from too much moisture.

You should also be aware of how the pump is running. Has its day to day functioning changed? Beyond a simple failure to start, a pump that is in trouble could be running for longer stretches than is necessary- more than a few minutes. A pump that is constantly shutting on and off, particularly when there is not a lot of water present can also be a sign of trouble.

An efficient and well-working pump should not be noisy. If you notice it is loud when it turns on, or makes knocking, grinding, or any noise other than the expected smooth and quiet hum, it is time to have it checked. Excessive and unusual noises are often the first sign of mechanical breakdown.

Remember, the job of a sump pump is to deal with water before it comes into your home. Keeping a pump with questionable capabilities is a risky venture, at best. Does your Naperville home need to have its sump pump replaced or maintained? Call Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. today at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859!