The basement sump pump just might be the loneliest machine in your Madison NJ home. Waiting deep in a dark hole in the corner of your basement, no one really wants to visit the sump pump and see what it’s been up to.
Despite our neglect, we fully expect that it will work without a hitch when called upon and keep pumping hard so that we won’t have trout swimming in our basement. Stashluk Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning and Generators highly recommends that you become more familiar with your friendly basement sump pump so that you can be sure it’s up to the challenge when nature calls.
Maintain your sump pump for reliable operation
Most sump pumps have a shelf life of 5-10 years depending on how often they get used and how well they are maintained. Even if your pump is relatively new it’s still a good idea to have a backup on hand should your main pump break down. From installation to service and maintenance, Stashluk technicians are expert at diagnosing and repairing sump pump problems before they become a much wetter issue.
Here are a few questions that will help you get to know your sump pump better:
Do you know the age of your sump pump?
This is a key question for new homeowners in particular. If you’ve inherited the sump pump from your home’s prior owners, don’t fall victim to a final special parting gift: i.e. water in your basement. Now is a good time to call Stashluk and have us in to check on the condition of your flood prevention pump so that there are no incidents.
Furthermore, there may be other ways we can improve your pump’s performance both when the power is on as well as when it goes off due to a power failure. Stashluk can install a backup up pump that either runs on battery power or is driven by local water pressure. It’s worth it to check it out. Give us a call at 908.277.6200 for Madison NJ Sump Pump Installation.
What impacts the cost of a new Madison NJ Sump Pump Installation?
If you’ve been getting by without a sump pump but have decided that now’s the time to bring one home, here are a few variables that can impact cost:
- Type of sump pump – Submersible or pedestal? Metal, submersible pumps tend to be more expensive but are more powerful and in many cases a preferred choice
- Type of floor – Assuming you have a concrete slab in your basement, drilling and digging will be required to create the sump pit.
- Location in the basement – Positioning the pump in the lowest part of the basement away from plumbing and other residential infrastructure will cost less than placing it near pipes, etc.
Is your sump pump due for a service call? Play it safe, contact Stashluk today for sump pump maintenance!
Is the sump pump showing signs of bacteria build up?
An older sump pump can show signs of rust and brown discoloration due to bacteria, which can form a gelatin-like substance that can restrict the free flow of water in your sump pump as well as the piping carrying water away from your home. This can shorten the lifespan of your pump and should be addressed by a trained Stashluk technician.
How often is the sump pump used?
A pump that sits idle for long periods of time can still fail. That’s why it should be tested regularly by filling the sump pit with water and checking that it is working properly.
On the flip side, if your pump seems to be running continuously or more frequently than normal there may be something else wrong with it, such as debris in the sump pit or the float arm may be stuck against the inside of the sump pit wall. A pump that runs frequently whether or not it is raining could be having a difficult time pumping water away from the foundation of your house.
Is your sump pump making noise or wobbling?
Sump pumps don’t have a lot of parts, but the parts they do have are susceptible to damage quite easily. Strange sounds that come from the pump while it is working can be a sign that the bearings, impeller or other parts have been damaged by dirt or other debris, such as pebbles or small toys that may have entered the pit and the unit. Some of these noise issues can be addressed with replacement parts, while others, such as a bent impeller, likely means you need to replace the unit.
The impeller may also be the culprit if the pump is wobbling. A bent impeller can cause the pump to wobble because the damaged blade has thrown off the balance of the machine. A wobbly, vibrating pump will likely need replacement. Call Stashluk and we’ll straighten out the situation pronto.
I need a replacement sump pump. What kind should I buy?
When it’s time to replace a sump pump, there’s more to finding the right one than just pulling anything off the shelf. For example, the distance the water has to travel through pipes should be calculated. This includes how many turns are along the way, the size of the sump pit, the diameter of the pipes and their degree of verticality rising from the pump.
As far as pump styles there are two kinds to choose from: submersible and pedestal. If you’re into more powerful, quiet operation a submersible pump may be right for your home. Since the motor housing is submerged in water, submersible pumps typically operate more quietly than pedestal pumps, which have the motor housing atop the pedestal.
Bottom line: the last thing you want to do is purchase a pump that can’t handle the volume of water that needs to be pumped. If you’re not sure which pump is right for your basement water problems, call Stashluk and we’ll be happy to make a recommendation.
For expert Madison NJ Sump Pump Installation give Stashluk a call!
A flooded basement is a major drag that can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to clean up. Don’t let an old sump pump leave you soaked to the bone. Give Stashluk a call today at 908.277.6200.
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