A leaking sump pump is a major problem that will retain water inside the basement rather than pumping it out. It will cause water damage to your property if you don’t act fast. Damp basements are good breeding grounds for mold and mildew over time. So fixing a sump pump by patching the leaky area is crucial as soon as you detect it.
How Would You Be Able to Detect Sump Pump Leaking?
Leaking problems are very easy to track down as the water leaves trails. With water pooling in the area, it would be obvious where the main leak is. But a larger leak may be the cause of many small water leaks as well. If a pipeline leaks you need to consult a plumber to replace the pipes and hoses before consulting a sump pump specialist.
Why Would a Sump Pump Leak?
A sump pump would leak due to various reasons including worn-out seals, cracks, issues in the sump pit, or hose clamps. It can also be due to incorrect installation or replacement of parts. Here are some of these problems and how to overcome them.
Cracked Sump Pumps
The bottom of a sump pump may crack with age depending on the quality of the build. Even a tiny crack in the sump pump is a serious issue and you must call a specialist. They will assess the sump pump and determine how it needs to be solved. You may have to repair it by replacing the necessary parts or purchasing a new pump.
Problems in the Sump Pit
Water may escape to your basement if the sump pump is not big enough. The pump may not be able to keep up with removing the water. Therefore, the water will overflow out of the sump pit. As a result, you will find more water in the basement. The best way is to get a larger pump to deal with the additional water.
Hose Clamps
The sump pump hose is usually attached with a clamp. Water may leak if it gets damaged or loose over time. Hoses also get damaged if the clamps are too tight and the hose is pulled by accident. Make sure to check these issues to determine the cause of your sump pump leak.
How to Fix a Leaking Sump Pump?
After you determine the source of the leak, check whether you can fix it with glue or tape. If not, the respective part will have to be replaced with a compatible part. For this, you should disable the pump before fixing the component. Run the sump pump to test it after the repair. But if you are not experienced well in the field of sump pumps, the best option is to call a sump pump specialist.
They know how to deal with various issues with their knowledge. They will explain to you how to apply the remedy and will easily fix it for you. For a situation where the leaks cannot be restored, you may have to purchase a new sump pump.
How to Prevent Basement Leaking Water?
Interior waterproofing is an economic solution if you are having trouble with basement walls leaking water. Once you have figured out a solution to remove the excess water, you can waterproof the walls to fix the minor damp problems. Exterior waterproofing is a more expensive solution but lasts a lifetime. It is the best way to protect the walls from water seeping in from the ground. For this, you need to expose the basement from the outside and apply the waterproofing material. Then it disperses the water away from your foundation walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Reduce the Impact of Ground Water on Basements?
There are various alternative water discharging methods in addition to sump pumps. You can install French drains, catch basins, and dry wells, or design proper landscaping methods to discharge water away from your house. It will lessen the impact of rain and groundwater on your basement, reducing the workload of the sump pump.
What is the Average Life of a Sump Pump?
A sump pump will usually last for about 10 years on average. You might not always notice that your sump pump is malfunctioning until it stops working altogether. If it stops running, your basement will flood causing water damage to your property. This is where the sump pump alarm systems become useful. It will alert you immediately if the sump pump is out of order and the water levels rise in the basement. You can get digital notifications through an SMS, email, or app even if you are not at home.
Should There Be Water in My Sump Pump Pit?
It is normal to have some water in the pit always. The water can be due to rain, groundwater seepage, or the melting of snow. When this water rises to a certain level, it will trigger the float switch of the sump pump. It will then turn on the pump to remove the water from your basement.
Do Sump Pumps Need Routine Maintenance?
Just as with any other system or appliance, a sump pump also needs regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly. Consult the user manual for the standard maintenance routines given by the manufacturer. You can inspect your sump pump monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on its usage.
A professional inspection is recommended once a year to maintain the operation of your sump pump at an optimal level. This includes the inspection of the pit, check valve, backup power source, alarm system, cover, and discharge location.
How Do I Know if Something is Wrong With My Sump Pump?
If you hear strange noises coming from your sump pump, or if it vibrates excessively when running, it can be an indication of defective or worn-out parts. Other signs are visible rusting, motor failure, and frequent sounding of the alarm. Irregular running and operating continuously also causes a sump pump to create premature issues. There is more possibility for sump pump issues if it is old over seven years.
Conclusion
Knowing how to fix a leaking sump pump is important even if you have to call a professional. It raises awareness on how to react immediately to minimize the impact of water damage. Then you can approach the solution gradually to fix it or replace the sump pump with a new one. Always make sure to turn off the sump pump before trying to fix anything. Wear the necessary PPEs to prevent any injuries during the process.