Signs Your Sump Pump Needs To Be Replaced

Does your sump pump need to be replaced?

 

Most homeowners don't give much thought to their home's sump pump until there is a threat of flooding. The sump pump is the house's best defensive against water damage. Flood waters can cause catastrophic destruction resulting in costly repairs and a decrease in the home's value.

The first sign that a sump pump is not working correctly is the presence of water in the basement. The equipment should take care of any excess water and there should never be water on the basement floor with a sump pump that is in good working order.

If a musty or other bad odor is coming from the basement, it may be a sign of a poorly working sump pump. Water that is stagnant quickly becomes a home for mold growth and other unpleasant microbes such as bacteria. Sometimes water that hasn't properly drained through the pump can hide behind dry wall and other unseen areas. Stagnant water in the basement can create a humid enough environment to allow mold to form in the vents and duct work. Whenever air from the furnace or air conditioning unit is pushed through the vents, the moldy air is spread throughout the house.

Sump pumps should run smoothly and quietly. Any unusual or loud noises coming from the appliance indicates a problem. Many times sump pumps are too small for the area they are intended to cover and quickly wear out.

If a home's sump pump does not have a battery, it is important to replace it with a pump that has a back up battery. If a flooding event occurs and a home's sump pump relies solely on electricity, it will be useless in the event of a power outage.

It is wise for homeowners who live in areas with a high water table and other factors that leave them prone to flooding to keep a backup sump pump. Sump pumps that are working overtime to clear water can quickly fail and cause the house to flood. Having a backup sump pump ready for installation can save homeowners the expense and grief caused by flooding.

Need a new sump pump for your Atlanta home? Call us at 404-753-9191 and schedule a service call today!