While some plumbers do work with sump pumps, most of them aren’t experts in waterproofing. A waterproofing contractor specializes in keeping water out of basements and crawl spaces.
Many waterproofers both install and repair sump pumps
. Plumbers fix plumbing leaks, not a chronic wet basement or crawl space problem.
Should sump pumps be serviced?
A defective sump pump probably won’t be obvious until it fails to operate when it’s really needed. By then, basement flooding and water damage could be extreme.
Routine sump pump maintenance is recommended every three to four months with a more comprehensive procedure annually
.
How much does it cost to unclog a sump pump?
| Type Average repair cost | Pedestal sump pump $100 – $480 | Submersible sump pump $200 – $1,000 |
|---|
How much should I charge to replace a sump pump?
Sump Pump Replacement Cost
Pedestal sump pump replacement costs range from
$400 to $900, for an average cost of $650
. Submersible sump pump replacement costs range from $800 to $2,000, for an average cost of $1,400.
How do I know if my sump pump is going bad?
- Frequently cycling on and off. If you’ve noticed your sump pump frequently cycling on and off, its basin may be too small to handle the volume of water in your basement. …
- Running nonstop. …
- Making weird noises. …
- Not coming on when it should.
How do I know if my sump pump needs to be replaced?
- Makes strange noises. Sounds coming from your pump can indicate worn or damaged parts. …
- Vibrates Excessively when Running. …
- Infrequent Pump Usage. …
- Runs All the Time. …
- Irregular Cycling. …
- It Runs for a Long Time. …
- Visible Rust. …
- Seven Years Old or Older.
What causes sump pump failure?
The most common mechanical failure in a sump pump occurs when the switch becomes stuck in the ON or OFF position, causing the pump to run continuously or not at all. Sump pumps can fail for a variety of reasons, including
power outages, lack of maintenance, old age or improper installation
.
What do you do when your sump pump stops working?
Reset your sump pump
: If the power is still on in your home, you should try resetting the pump by unplugging it for a few seconds and plugging it back in. If the reset is successful, you may still want to have a technician inspect the pump to make sure it does not fail again.
How often should a sump pump be checked?
Normally, it is recommended that they are tested
every three to four months
, but in many cases, it may be wise to test and clean it more often. Tests should involve the opening of the inlet screen and cleaning it out, which is most important.
What maintenance is required for a sump pump?
Once a year
, the sump pump and pit need maintenance.
Clean the grate, check the drainage pipes, clean the screen or inlet opening, put the pump back into the pit, and fill it with water to keep it from running dry.
Should I be worried if a house has a sump pump?
Check for Structural Damage
Although sump pumps can stop most of the water, holes in the structure of your home can cause leaks and lasting damage. So, even if you have a sump pump installed in your new place, it’s important to keep an eye out for this kind of damage.
Can I replace a sump pump myself?
When your home has a sump pump, you want it working to keep rainwater out of your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it,
it’s a DIY job you can handle yourself
.
Do sump pumps break?
Why do sump pumps fail?
They are mechanical devices and therefore prone to malfunction, especially over time
. They need a power source and when that fails, the pump fails. And among the many types, brands, and models of sump pump on the market, some are poorly designed and cheaply built.
What’s better 1/3 hp or 1/2 HP sump pump?
There is no “correct” size. The horsepower requirement for a house is determined by the area of drainage connected to the sump, the depth to groundwater, the depth of the basement and many other factors.
A 1/3 horsepower (hp) pump is satisfactory for most houses, but a 1/2 hp pump doesn’t cost that much more
.
Why isn’t my sump pump draining?
If the drain pipe, also called the discharge pipe, gets clogged
, the pump can’t move water from your basement to the outside of your home. If the water in your sump pit is moving slowly, or not at all, the drain pipe may be blocked by debris. You can repair this by cleaning the pipe.
How hard is it to replace a sump pump?
Replacing a sump pump may seem like a daunting task, but
it is a fairly straightforward undertaking that can be tackled by a homeowner
. Before installing the new pump, make sure you are installing a sump pump that is the appropriate size for your sump basin and has enough horsepower to keep your basement dry.
Can a sump pump last 30 years?
Your Sump Pump Is Old
The average life span of a sump pump is between five and seven years, although some units last several decades.
Certain pedestal pumps can even run for as long as 30 years
.
Can a sump pump be fully submerged?
Sump pumps come in two types: Pedestal and submersible.
Only one can be completely submerged in water
. If you have a serious water issue from time to time, you should know which would work best so that you don’t put yourself or your family in danger.
Should there be water in my sump pump pit?
It’s perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it
. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump’s float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
Will basement flood if sump pump fails?
If the sump pump fails during a big rain event, the basement can flood
causing extensive water damage to your property, in addition to creating a huge mess. The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage.
Can your basement flood with a sump pump?
Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump keeps water out of your house. So,
when it fails, your basement could quickly be at risk for flooding
.
