A sump pump in your home is an essential appliance for keeping your basement dry and avoiding water damage. But how do you know when your sump pump may be failing or needs repairs? Here at Quality Mechanical Services, we want to help you identify key signs that may indicate that sump pump repairs are needed. Here are some key signs to watch out for.
Your Basement is Flooded
This is the surest sign that something is wrong with your sump pump system. If you venture down to the basement and find standing water pooling into a flood, it means the pump isn’t running or isn’t working fast enough to eject all the water coming in. Flailing sump pumps are usually due to a power outage, motor failure, broken float switch, or a clog blocking the discharge pipe. You’ll need to diagnose and remedy the root cause to get your sump pump working again.
You Hear the Pump Running Constantly
Your sump pump should only turn on occasionally when the sump basin has filled to a certain level and then shut off once the water is all ejected. Something is up if you constantly hear a loud humming from your sump pump, struggling to keep up. This level of continuous pumping often points to a drainage problem outside your home, too much groundwater seeping in, or a blockage in your home’s drainage system. Time to investigate.
The Sump Basin is Full
Take a peek into your sump basin. If it is filled to the brim with water that’s backing up into your basement, and your sump pump is idle instead of ejecting the water, clearly, your pump is broken or not getting power. It could be a bad float switch, frayed wiring, jammed impeller, or failed motor, all of which require sump pump repair to fix.
You Have an Old Pump
The expected lifespan for most sump pumps is only 5 to 10 years with moderate usage. After that point, breakdowns are more frequent, and repairs start becoming less worthwhile. If your pump is over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement before disaster strikes. Newer sump pump models are much more reliable and energy efficient.
Your Utility Bills are High
If your sump pump is working overtime to keep up with excess water, it will drive up your electricity bills, too. Take a look at your monthly energy usage. If there are some unusually high spikes that coincide with heavy rain or snow melts, it may be indicative of a sump pump issue that needs addressing before costs really add up.
You See Visible Damage
Finally, if you visually inspect your sump pump and spot any concerning signs—cracked casing, leaking oil, debris buildup, corroded piping, damaged wires—it’s better to be safe than sorry. Go ahead and replace or repair any visibly deteriorating parts of your pump before they totally fail.
You Notice a Musty Smell
If you detect a damp, musty odor coming from your basement, it may indicate an issue with your sump pump not properly removing all excess water. When water accumulates and sits for too long, mold and mildew can begin to grow, producing that distinctive unpleasant smell. A musty basement often means your sump pump system is not keeping up with the water level or properly pumping water away from your foundation. Addressing the root cause, whether it’s a clogged pipe, failing pump, or backup battery needing replacement, will help resolve the smell.
Detecting problems early and completing sump pump repairs will keep your appliance protecting your basement from flooding for longer. Call a technician if you’re unsure of how to service or rebuild your own pump. With routine maintenance and attention, your sump pump can operate reliably for years. Don’t wait until disaster strikes!
