When it comes to your basement sump pump, it’s easy to think that you can set it and forget it. But ask any Morris Plains NJ homeowner whose sump pump failed in the middle of a flooding downpour or Spring thaw and they’ll know better.
Sump pumps are built to work whenever duty calls for five to 10 years, after that you may need Morris Plains NJ Sump Pump Repair. They’re remarkably reliable, considering how hard they work when the water level is rising. However, there are all sorts of things that can go wrong that can interfere with their performance—some mechanical, and some physical.
Basically, there are two kinds of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Because of their greaterpumping power, submersible pumps are better for situations where basement water is more frequently present. They’re also quieter. However, because they work harder and more frequently, the flip side is their lifespan may be shorter than a pedestal pump.
Problem areas: Check the sump pit for debris, toys and stones.
Your sump pump likes to have elbow room. That’s why your sump pit should be clear of everything other than the pump itself. Sometimes small pebbles, excess dirt or even a child’s toy can make their way into the pit. These items can interfere with the operation of the pump, either by working themselves into the pump impeller or restricting the movement of the float arm which turns the pump on and off. If you hear your pump running and it hasn’t rained for days, that’s your tip-off that it’s time to take a look inside the pit and see what’s causing the problem.
What are some of the signs that a sump pump in Morris Plains NJ is at risk of failure?
In addition to the toys and dirt mentioned above, there are other things you can keep watch for to head off sudden failure of your pump. For example:
- How old is your sump pump?
- Is your pump often running?
- Is your sump pump rarely used?
- Is your sump pump vibrating?
- Is the pump making strange noises?
If you have no idea how old your pump is because it was there when you moved into your home, call Stashluk to inspect it. We know what to look for such as rust and brown discoloration due to bacteria. The bacteria can form a gelatinous substance which can clog the pump as well as the pipes that lead away from it.
If you detect that your sump pump is often running it’s obviously going to wear on the pump motor and its internal parts, which will greatly impact its operational life. In addition to the objects mentioned above, the pump’s float arm could be lodged against the side of the pit wall, which is obstructing its up and down motion.
If your sump pump is rarely used it’s important to test it regularly by filling the pit with water to ensure it’s running properly. If you’re not sure how to test it, call the Stashluk Morris Plains NJ plumber and we’ll come to your home and test and inspect the pump.
Strange noises can be a sure sign that mechanical failure of the sump pump is right around the corner. Worn out or damaged parts such as impellers, bearings and other internal mechanisms can make loud noises which if not repaired can lead to replacement of the entire unit.
A sump pump that is vibrating most likely has a damaged impeller blade due to a pebble, small toy or other debris that was sucked into the unit and bent the blade. A damaged impeller can throw off the balance of the pump causing it to wobble, which puts stress on the entire unit. Call Stashluk and we’ll come out and set you up with a new submersible or pedestal pump.
What happens to your sump pump if you lose power?
In you live in an older neighborhood with above ground power lines, your home is more susceptible to power outages during storms. That’s why you need a backup system that will take over when your main power goes out. Stashluk can help you determine the right backup system for your home. Or, consider the peace of mind and convenience of a whole house standby generator. Stashluk sells and services leading brands such as Generac, Honeywell and others. To learn more, give Stashluk a call at 908.277.6200.
Choose a replacement sump pump that can do the job.
There’s more to purchasing a new pump than just swapping out the old one. You need to take into account how far the water has to travel through pipes, how many turns there are and the size of the pit, among other things. The last thing you want to do is purchase a pump that’s not up to the task. 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.
Morris Plains NJ Sump Pump Repair: Prevent a flooded basement, give Stashluk a call!
A flooded basement can cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars of damage. Don’t let an old sump pump put you under water. Give a Stashluk a call today at 908.277.6200.
