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Nobody likes a flooded basement. Sump pumps sit in your basement or crawl space and drain water in order to prevent flooding. Keeping your basement dry however, can prove to be taxing on a pump over time.  Below are five reasons it might be time to invest in a new sump pump. Making weird noises If your pump is particularly noisy or making irregular sounds, it could mean a part is either damaged or broken. Sump pumps are relatively quiet when they are running properly, so unusual noises can be a sign it’s time for a new pump. A noisy pump can also be the result of an issue with the pump’s motor, so be sure to keep an ear open. Not so-good vibrations If your whole pump is vibrating, it could mean a damaged impeller. The impeller is the mechanism that draws water into the pump. Unfortunately, sometimes debris can get sucked into the pump as well, which could bend the impeller. Impellers are balanced specifically to reduce, wear on the shaft of the pump. They can prove difficult to properly replace so you may either want to call a plumber or replace the entire unit. Infrequent pump usage Limited use of a sump may reduce its shelf life. Be sure to test and clean your pump regularly between heavy rain falls in order to make sure all of the pump’s components are in proper working order. If your pump is running why don't you go catch it Alternatively, if your pump is constantly running, it could also shorten the pump’s service life. The most likely culprit of a  constantly running pump is likely a faulty switch. The float switch is responsible for turning the pump on and off. Sometimes during operation, sumps can shift around in their basins and the float can become inhibited, leaving the pump unable to turn off. Constant operation can lead to a pump burning itself out. Your pump may also not be able to handle the water load it's supposed to, which may lead to constant running as well. Father Time Even sump pumps aren’t immune to old age. The service life of a pump can vary due to several variables though the general life expectancy.  However, for most sump pumps, it is around ten years. Regardless of maintenance, testing, and cleaning, pumps experience wear-and-tear, and eventually they will need to be replaced. If your sump fails, don’t fret, because luckily PumpProducts.com carries a wide variety of the most reliable and trustworthy sump pumps on the market. PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability, and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

Sump Pumps sit in a pit or basin in your basement and prevent residential flooding by draining accumulated water. By doing some simple maintenance, you can ensure that your sump pump is ready to tackle anything Mother Nature has to throw at it. 1. Clean the Sump Pump Although, this one seems obvious, making sure your pump is clean guarantees efficiency and a long service life. To clean your pump, start by removing the pump from its basin or pit after disconnecting it from the power supply. Next, clean any dirt or debris off the outside of the pump. Be sure to clean the inlet screen on the bottom as the screen can get clogged over time. Also clear any dirt, gravel, sand, or other debris that may have accumulated in the sump pit as well. This will help make sure your pump stays cleaner, longer. Depending on how often it’s used, your pump should be cleaned at least once a year. 2. Test the Pump Pour water from a bucket or large container into the basin. Make sure the float switch is not obstructed and is able to move freely. As the water level rises, the float should activate the pump and water should begin to drain. This will indicate that your pump is in working order. 3. Clean Drainage Pipes Check your pipes for any blockages or clogs so water can flow unimpeded. Also make sure all the pipes are connected tightly and there are no leaks. If your pipes are clogged, you may need assistance from your local plumber. 4. Level the Pump Make sure your pump sits level. If your pump is off kilter, the float arm may become jammed. This will result in the pump being unable to become activated. 5. Check the Power Source Make sure you’re plugged in! Check the power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. You may also want to have a battery backup system so your pump can continue to work in events such as a power failure. There is no rule for how often a sump pump should be replaced, but nothing in life lasts forever!  Your pump’s life depends on how often it runs and how often maintenance is done. If you’re in the market for a new sump pump, look no further than the plethora of pumps PumpProducts.com offers! PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability, and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.