Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Sump Pump in Fort Wayne

Decades ago, a sump pump pretty much was the only option for getting water out of your basement when it flooded. Loud and large, those sump pumps of yore weren’t all that effective. Nowadays, sump pumps are smaller, quieter and much more effective. If you live in Fort Wayne and deal with an unwanted swimming pool in the basement after heavy rains, you should invest in a newer sump pump – or two, if your basement is large.

There are ways to tell if the sump pump you currently have is not working at peak efficiency. Below, we outline some clues besides the obvious one of having to wear a snorkel mask when you venture into the basement.

Failure to Lift Off

If your sump pump isn’t even turning on when water hits, you need to check that the plug is secure and no mice have been gnawing on the electrical wiring. Your outlet should have two plugs; only one of them activates the pump itself. Unplug both, then plug in just the one for the pump. If it doesn’t turn on, your sump pump needs to be repaired.

If there are electrical issues in general, purchase a pump that has a battery backup. Power failure can occur during a storm – which is when you really need that pump to work.

Late to the Party

If your sump pump starts on a delay, check the float. If the float is damaged, the pump may start up at the wrong time — or not at all. Check to see if the float is broken or if it or the arm switch lacks room to move. To do this, fill the sump pump basin with water and observe how it functions.

Slow Going

A sump pump is only effective if it drains the amount of water that comes in. If the sump pump you currently have drains water slowly, you may not have a big enough sump pump, or the drain lines are clogged. It’s important to keep drain lines clear. If the drainage is not consistent, have Fort Wayne sump pump expert take a look, or replace the pump.

Hearing Things

Older sump pumps and pumps that are not maintained make noise. Loud noise. Thunking, clanging and rattling might make you think your basement is haunted. Most of these sounds don’t affect the pump’s function. For example, the check valve opens when water runs past it and closes when the water is gone, resulting in a “thunk” like a closing door. Clanging and rattling can occur when the pipes move and hit something. Water moving through the pump’s pipes may cause those pipes to vibrate and hit the side of the basin. It’s an easy fix; just wrap insulation around the offending pipes.

Noises originating from the motor need to be addressed. It’s possible the motor is not lubricated enough, which can cause the motor’s eventual demise. Apply lubricant if necessary. If lubrication does not correct the problem and you can’t stand the noise, it may be time to invest in a new sump pump.

The Right Tool for the Job

If your sump pump is not doing its job well, it may be because you simply don’t have the right one for the job. The two main pump types are submersible and pedestal. A submersible pump has the motor under the water level in the basin. A pedestal pump sits above the basement floor. Consult with an expert at Acculevel to determine which option is best for your basement.

Acculevel offers three sump pumps, each of which has a digital alarm system thfortat notifies you if there is a problem. Acculevel’s ½ HP AC backup sump pump can handle 4,200 gallons per hour. The battery ensures there are no issues if your home’s power goes out. It is installed with an airtight seal, preventing bugs and radon gas emission.

In case your primary pump fails, Acculevel has available a DC backup pump, which can drain 3,300 gallons per hour. It’s not as much as the AC system, but if you need to drain 4,200 gallons per hour, you should be evacuating the premises. This system comes with an alarm in case the battery backup fails.

For the strongest sump pump, Acculevel has heavy duty pumps, which includes the DC backup system as well as an additional ½ HP sump pump.

Acculevel Installs Sump Pumps in Fort Wayne

Whether you’re looking to have your current pump evaluated or you want to purchase and have installed a new system, Acculevel has you covered. Experts in waterlogged basements since 1996, our family-owned business is ready to help you keep your foundation dry. Contact us for a free in-home estimate. We will help you prevent basement flooding in your Fort Wayne home.