Flooding can cause serious property damage and lead to heavy financial losses. Flooding is usually caused by heavy rainstorms. Flooding can also occur when there is a heavy leak in the house. The problem of flooding is easily solved by a device called a sump pump. As the name implies, this electrically or battery powered mechanical device pumps flood water from the house. Sump pumps are usually installed in the basement of the house. They are usually burrowed under the floor of the basement. A sump pump turns itself on automatically when the flood water reaches a certain level. If you live in an area with frequent rainstorms, then you should consider installing two sump pumps.
You will need to install a main sump pump and a backup sump pump. The main sump pump is usually hooked to the main electrical system. The backup sump pump should be battery powered. This means that the backup sump pump kicks in when the main backup fails due to power blackouts. Remember that blackouts are very common during a rainstorm. Like any other plumbing device, the sump pump gets old and faulty with time. The following are some of the signs that your sump pump requires repair or replacement.
Many plumbing problems are detected due to funny noises. You can even tell whether your toilet is leaking or not by listening for gurgling noises. You should request Cincinnati leak detection services any time you hear funny noises in your plumbing system. When it comes to the sump pump, the device usually emits a humming noise when it’s on. You can always visit the basement when it’s raining and listen for this humming noise. If your sump pump is dead quiet, then it means that it’s not working. You will notice that the flood water level keeps rising but your sump pump is all quiet. It means that the sump pump is not working. Call a professional plumber immediately for repairs or replacement. You can also notice significant changes in the humming noise produced by your sump pump. This can indicate that the sump pump is heating up or it’s clogged. It can also indicate that the sump pump is faulty. Call your local plumber so that the device can be inspected and repaired or replaced.
Another clear indication that your sump pump is not okay is flooding. When the sump pump is working properly, your basement will not flood. Actually the water will never rise past the sump pump. But if you notice that the sump pump is already covered by water or your basement is flooded, then it means that the sump pump is broken. It should be repaired or replaced immediately. You should test the float switch of your sump pump regularly to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit from time to time and see whether the sump pump turns on automatically.
Sump pumps do not last forever. You should consider replacing your sump pump after 7 years. If your sump pump is 10 years or older, then you should always be on the lookout for mechanical problems. You should replace a sump pump as soon as it reaches that old age and starts malfunctioning.