Five signs it is time to replace your sump pump

Sump pumps are not designed to last forever. In fact, many sump pump manufacturers list the average life expectancy of a sump pump at 10 years. 

If you have not replaced your sump pump in the last seven years, you are most likely due for a new model.

Sump pumps are mechanical devices that should receive regular maintenance. In the middle of a storm, the last thing you need is for your sump pump to go down and potentially lead to your basement being flooded.

Fortunately, there are signs to look out for that indicate a sump pump is aging and in need of repair or replacement. If you observe any of these five warning signs from your sump pump, then it is time to call Plumbers 911 Maine and be referred to a plumber who can install a new sump pump and help keep your property dry.

Sump pump frequently cycles on and off

Have you noticed that your sump pump frequently shifts between on and off cycles? This is a sign the basin is too small to handle the water in your basement. When your sump pump turns on too often, it can burn out the motor. Consider investing in a deeper basin so your sump pump will only come on when necessary. This will save the motor and optimize the lifespan of your sump pump. 

Talk to a Maine Plumbers 911 expert about getting a deeper basin for your sump pump to improve its longevity. 

Sump pump vibrates excessively

Sump pump impellers can be bent or damaged if the pump sucks up hard debris. Impellers operate like propellers, but draw things into the sump pump so it can remove water. Bent impellers can cause the entire sump pump to wobble, which puts extra stress on the shaft. This extra stress will cause future problems with your sump pump, eventually leading to total failure. Fixing bent or damaged impellers is nearly impossible. 

If your sump pump vibrates excessively, you should call Maine Plumbers 911 to be referred to an expert who can install a new one. 

There are puddles around the sump pump

Sump pumps work hard during a heavy rainstorm or following a good snow melt. It is the job of the sump pump to remove water from your basement. If water begins to accumulate in puddles, either your pipes are leaking or your sump pump is starting to fail. 

Contact Plumbers 911 Maine to see if your sump pump needs to be fixed or replaced.

Your sump pump does not have battery backup

If your sump pump does not have battery backup, it should be replaced, even if it works fine. In Maine, many heavy storms, whether rainfall or snowmelt, are accompanied by a power outage, which will knock out your sump pump if you do not have battery backup. If this happens, your sump pump will be useless when you need it the most. 

Call Maine Plumbers 911 to be referred to an expert plumber who can install a modern sump pump with battery backup that will work during a power outage.

Your sump pump stops working

If your sump pump stops working, then the motor likely failed. Other potential causes could be wiring or other electrical problems or frozen or clogged hoses (a common problem in Maine). 

Reach out to Plumbers 911 Maine to have a plumber inspect your sump pump. He or she can tell you if the sump pump can be saved or it needs to be replaced. 

Need a plumber? Contact Plumbers 911 Maine!

If you need a plumber to inspect, repair or install a new sump pump, contact Plumbers 911 Maine. We are a referral service, who will put you in touch with a network of vetted, qualified plumbers, who can diagnose and fix your situation. 

Keep in mind, you should never install a sump pump yourself. The dimensions and fitting of a sump pump need to be perfect to prevent failure and potential flooding issues. We can connect you with a qualified plumber to install a new sump pump correctly so it runs at optimal performance.