A sump pump can be a vital part of your home protection. This device pulls water away from your home's foundation and moves it into your wastewater system to prevent flooding. This is important if you have a basement. According to The Family Handyman, a pedestal sump pump should last for about 20 years with proper maintenance, while a submersible pump should last for about 15 years. Here are a few signs that your pump might need replacing.

1. Strange Noises

If you notice the pump is making strange noises, this could indicate a problem. If the motor has a failed bearing, it will create excessive noise. Another reason for a lot of noise would be if the impeller is jammed or damaged. This is the fan on the bottom of the pump that pulls water in. You won't know what's making the noise until you have the pump professionally inspected.

2. Excessive Vibrations

A sump pump might start vibrating excessively if it has sucked up some type of hard debris. This debris could make its way into the impeller. This will cause the impeller to get bent or damaged. The impeller must stay balanced in order to minimize wear and tear. If the impeller gets bent, then the whole system will start to wobble. This creates stress on the shaft. This wobbling noise is an indicator that future pump problems are coming. You'll need professional help to fix this problem.

3. Infrequent Pump Usage

A sump pump can reduce its longevity if it's not used often enough. You need to regularly test your pump between heavy rains. This will give you an early indication of any problems and it helps to support the mechanisms inside. You should keep notes of how often you do this.

4. Runs Too Much

If there is a problem with the sump pump switch, you might start to notice that the pump runs all the time. There is a float that is responsible for the smooth operation from on to off. You'll need a professional to come out and evaluate what is causing the switch to malfunction.

These are just a few indicators that you might need sump pump maintenance or replacement. If you're looking for professionals to help you with these issues, please call us at Morgal Plumbing Industries, LLC today. With over a decade of experience, our team looks forward to helping you.