For all of you residing in the GTA, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton or Brampton, you’re well familiar with the arduous nature of spring. When it snows rapidly, rains come with a bang, and your basement becomes the first victim when your sump pump fails to do its duty.
Most homeowners aren’t concerned with their home sump pump until water has started flowing across the floor. By this point, you won’t be having a simple service call, but you’ll be worried about thousands of dollars worth of damage.
So, what are the signs to look out for that your sump pump has reached the end of its service life and is in need of repairs?
1. It’s Making Strange Noises You’ve Never Heard Before
A healthy sump pump doesn’t make a lot of noise. In strong winds and rain, you may be able to hear a hum. That’s normal.
Not normal: grinding, rattling, clanging or loud banging. Typically these noises indicate a broken or jammed impeller (the fan-like part that pushes water through the pump). The rattling may also indicate that debris has been sucked into the unit.
When the plumbing system sounds like it’s on the verge of breaking down every time it rains, it’s asking for help.
2. It Runs Constantly Even When It’s Dry Outside
Your pump should only turn on when water pressure is high enough in your sump pit. If it’s running at all times during a sunny and dry day, there is something wrong.
Most often it is a stuck float switch, or a broken check valve. A sump pump with a float switch will either run constantly or not run at all. Both are bad.
Having a pump running all the time shortens the motor’s lifespan. The job of replacing a small part of the sump pump goes into sump pump replacement.
3. It Won’t Turn On At All
It goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating. When your basement is flooding and your pump is not working, there is a serious issue.
Maybe a circuit breaker that has tripped. Maybe a stuck motor. May have a broken sump pump with a float switch in the OFF position. The only way to find out for sure is to have someone come to take a look before the water does more damage.
This is right when you need an emergency sump pump repair, not tomorrow.
4. You Can See Visible Rust Or Corrosion On The Unit
Some wear is acceptable on older models. If the casing is rusty or corroded, or the discharge line or pipes are heavily rusted or corroded, the pump has most likely started to work from the inside out.
Performance degradation due to corroded components. Water does not flow properly, high pressure develops at the wrong time and eventually, the entire unit fails. If your pump is beginning to rust badly, then a sump pump plumber needs to determine what is the best thing to do, either repair or sump pump replacement makes more sense.
5. Your Basement Has Flooded Even With The Pump Running
This is the most concerning symptom. Your pump is running, you can hear it but water is still going up.
There are a couple of possible explanations: The pump is not large enough for the property size, the discharge line is blocked or frozen, or the pump is just too old to produce the volume of water. This is typical for older basement sump pump installations that were not upgraded with the addition of a new home.
A plumbing company that actually has experience with sump pits installation and sizing pumps will be able to determine what went wrong and what you need to do.
6. It’s More Than 7 To 10 Years Old
If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t know this number: The average life span of a home sump pump is 7 to 10 years. From then on you are playing catch-up.
Don’t know when to last have the pump inspected, never done it before or it has been running since the house was built, get it checked. Even though using a newer sump pump may increase its useful life with regular maintenance, an old pump that is beyond its use is a potential flood hazard.
Sump pump maintenance once a year especially before spring is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your basement.
7. There’s A Bad Smell Coming From The Sump Pit
Any standing water that is not removed begins to have an odor. That is a musty smell which filters throughout the entire basement, caused by mold, bacteria and stagnant water.
If you’re getting a continuous odour coming from your sump pit, it probably indicates that water is not being pumped out effectively. The pump is either underpowered or unable to completely clear the pit. With no one else around, this can be an ideal breeding ground for the growth of mold, a much larger issue than a pump repair.
What Causes a Sump Pump to Fail?
Even the very best sump pumps can have issues from time to time. If homeowners know the most prevalent reasons for the failure of sump pumps, they can notice the problems before they get out of hand and cause expensive flooding in the basement.
There are several major reasons including a power outage during a storm. A sump pump can fail right when you need it the most because of heavy rainfall that is likely to happen at the same time as a power outage. That is why many homeowners opt to have a battery backup system installed.
Another typical problem is clogged discharge lines. The winter months in Canada can lead to dirt, debris, and even ice accumulation, which can prevent water from flowing through the pipe to take it away from the house. If this occurs, water can accumulate in the sump pit or cause the pump to run more than it should.
Failure to install properly can also cause a premature failure. If the pump is operating outside of the correct specifications for the residence’s drainage system either it will run more than it should or may not catch up during heavy rain. This causes additional stress on the motor’s operation and internal components over time.
Another contributing factor is insufficient sump pump maintenance. The debris build up, float switch plugging, worn check valves, and ignored parts will all impact the efficiency and lifespan of the system.
Last but not least there is the effect of age. The lifespan of most home sump pumps is 7-10 years. Over time, components can deteriorate, leading to potential unexpected failure that could result in water damage, and regular inspections are crucial to avoid that.
What Type Of Sump Pump Do You Actually Have?
It is beneficial to have an idea of what you’re working with before contacting anyone. There are two basic kinds of sump pumps:
Pedestal pumps the motor sits above the pit, out of the water. Much more accessible and easier to maintain, but typically lower in power.
Submersible pumps of the motor are submerged in the pit. Suitable for large homes or properties. The installation of a submersible sump pump is more complicated, but the pumps themselves are generally quieter and longer-lasting.
If a sump pump plumber knows your setup, he or she can diagnose issues more quickly and provide you with reliable repair and replacement suggestions.
Is It Worth Repairing Or Should You Just Replace It?
Interesting enquiry and answer is based on age and the type of problem.
Sump pump repair is typically a good option if your pump is less than 5 years old and the problem is a broken or clogged discharge hose, or a failing float switch. The problem is solved and so is the time!
When the motor is broken or there is extensive corrosion, it’s nearly always better to replace the sump pump replacement. The cost will be less over the next 5 years than it would be if you had to patch an old unit every season!
You can get a truthful evaluation from a sump pump plumber. You shouldn’t be required to “guess.
Can I Do Sump Pump Repair Or Installation Myself?
Some homeowners attempt to putting in a sump pump on their own without hiring a professional in order to save money. Yes, technically, as long as you feel comfortable with basic plumbing work, for a simple swap-out on a pedestal pump.
However, basement sump pump installation of a in your or anything involving your plumbing system digging a hole, running lines, etc., is not a weekend DIY job. If done incorrectly, it results in poor drainage, code violations or a pump that does not even pump the actual water volume of the property.
When you hire a reputable sump pump plumber from a reputable plumbing company, the sump pump is going to be installed correctly, and the system will be tested before the next rain so that there will be no problems.
Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist
Routine maintenance can help keep your sump pump working efficiently and extend its lifespan.
- Test the pump by pouring water into the sump pit.
- Check that the float switch moves freely.
- Remove debris from the sump pit.
- Inspect the discharge line for blockages.
- Test any battery backup system.
- Schedule a professional inspection once a year.
When Is Sump Pump Replacement Better Than Repair?
Replacement may be a more cost-effective solution for some problems with sump pumps, while other problems can be easily repaired. When a sump pump is over 8-10 years old, if it frequently fails, or if it cannot keep up during heavy rains, then it is probably time to replace it.
Another indicator that replacing the unit may save you money on future repairs is if you can see any rust, significant corrosion, or if the motor is broken. When replacement of sump pumps comes into consideration, the general rule is that it is better to replace the pump when the repair costs are only about 50% of the cost of a new system.
A professional sump pump plumber will be able to check the system and determine if it’s worth fixing or replacing to safeguard your home.
Trusted Sump Pump Repair Services Across the GTA
BOS Plumbing and Drains have served the GTA for more than 20 years for sump pump repair, sump pump installation and sump pump replacement of sump pumps and was able to offer all kinds of plumbing repairs. They provide services to homeowners in Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara, Cambridge, Brampton and Etobicoke.
You don’t need to call a same day plumber for that unexpected plumbing leak that you had; you can also call BOS for scheduled sump pump maintenance.
They also have emergency plumber and 24 hour plumber services as floods don’t come during working hours.
When you’re looking for sump pump repair near me or a trustworthy local plumber in your area, BOS Plumbing and Drains should not be overlooked.
Frequently asked questions
1. How Do I Know If My Sump Pump Needs Repair Or Replacement?
If your pump is under 5 to 7 years old and the problem is isolated, a bad float switch, a clogged line, or a minor motor issue, sump pump repair is usually the right move. If it’s older or has multiple failing components, sump pump replacement makes more financial sense long-term.
2. How Often Should I Schedule Sump Pump Maintenance?
Once a year is the standard recommendation, ideally before spring thaw. Sump pump maintenance typically includes testing the float switch, flushing the pit, checking the discharge line, and making sure the backup power system (if you have one) is working.
3. What’s The Difference Between A Submersible And Pedestal Sump Pump?
A submersible sump pump sits inside the pit and is designed to operate underwater. A pedestal pump keeps the motor above the pit. Submersible units are quieter and handle more water volume. Submersible sump pump installation costs a bit more upfront but tends to be more reliable for larger properties or high water table areas.
4. Do I Need A Plumber For Sump Pump Installation?
Yes especially for basement sump pump installation or sump pit installation. A licensed sump pump plumber knows local codes, proper discharge line routing, and how to size the pump correctly for your home. Skipping professional help here is where most DIY basement flooding stories start.
5. Can A Sump Pump Cause A Plumbing Leak?
A failing sump pump won’t directly cause a plumbing leak, but a disconnected or cracked discharge line absolutely can. If water is pooling around the unit or you see moisture along the discharge pipe, call a plumbing and repair professional to check it out before it gets worse.
6. How Quickly Can I Get Emergency Sump Pump Repair?
If you’re in the GTA or surrounding areas, BOS Plumbing and Drains offers emergency plumber and 24 hour plumber services. Emergency sump pump repair is available the same day in most cases just call and explain what you’re seeing.
Your sump pump is the one thing standing between your basement and a very expensive water disaster. If you’re noticing any of the signs above, don’t wait for the next big rainstorm to find out how serious it is.
Sump pump repair handled early costs a fraction of what flood restoration costs later.