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Often located in your house’s basement, the sump pump plays a vital role in pumping out excess water build-up. If left unattended, it can cause extensive problems such as flooding resulting in costly sump pump services. Sump pumps can malfunction, resulting in extensive damage.

Some of the causes of the sump pump failure include improper installation by an incompetent plumber, debris caught in the impeller, and wear and tear. Additionally, your sump pump has a limited lifespan. On average, the component lasts for 10 years. Surprisingly, many homeowners may fail to notice a damaged sump pump until it stops functioning. Discussed below are some of the signs that will help you know whether it’s time to replace your sump pump in Jacksonville, FL.

Noisy Sump Pump

You should not panic when you notice your sump pump is producing a hum while operating. However, when the sound becomes strange and excess, it could indicate that your pump is experiencing some troubles, especially when you notice any grinding, rattling, and gurgling sounds.

A jammed impeller and a failed motor could cause unusual sounds. Also, you might hear such sounds if your pump is worn out or has faulty parts. Here, a well-versed plumber can advise you on whether to fix or replace your pump.

Constantly Cycling On and Off

Frequent on and off cycling of your sump pump, especially during heavy rains, could imply that your sump pump system is experiencing some trouble and requires comprehensive sump pump services from a trusted plumbing company. The issue may be straightforward, just like an improperly set float switch, turning the switch on even with the less water build-up in the basin.

Other times, the problem may be with the faulty wiring system. Additionally, a short circuit in your electrical system will force the pump to switch on and off periodically. Besides, you can schedule an appointment with your plumber to install a larger sump pump basin. Even though it may be costly at the moment of installation, it’s relatively cheaper than sump replacements frequently.

Motor Failure

An internal wiring failure can result in a sump pump failure. In other cases, the electrical appliances could supply current, but the sump pump isn’t operating. This is a clear warning of an electrical problem, and an experienced plumber should attend to it immediately.

When identifying the problem, it’s important to ensure that the device doesn’t throw a breaker or a fuse when plugged in. Otherwise, when the system fails to operate, the water cannot leave your home between the discharge line. Also, a drastic drop in temperature below the freezing point causes the hose to harden, hence forming a clog that hinders the smooth flow of water, making the motor operate at an increased output level, resulting in burnout.

On the other hand, some parts of the sump pump can get damaged due to power surges. Installing an entrance surge protection device safeguards the whole electrical system from power surges and minimizes the need for a sump pump plumbing professional.

Old Age

Over time, the sump pump experiences age-related problems. There is no type of cleaning or maintenance that can bring a seven-year-old sump pump system back to its new condition, thus you are only left with one option, and that is sump pump replacement.

Some of the factors that affect the system’s life span include its quality, the electrical source, the frequency of use, and the extent the pump has to convey water to discharge.

Knowing the system’s lifespan will prevent you from incurring frequent maintenance or repair costs from a plumber, which could be the same as or just close to purchasing a new system.

Visible Rust

The decayed battery terminals result in visible brown deposits of rust. Although in some scenarios, the stain may result from the presence of the bacteria. Because of its color, it’s usually identified as iron bacteria. Even though this may have no impact on your health, it results in blockages that interfere with the water movement in your drainage line. After that, pushing you to replace the sump pump.

The bacteria leads to water discoloration and eventually develops a gel-like component that may result in blockages. In such cases, you may have to contact a plumbing company to remove the blockage.

Continual Flooding

The presence of an underground spring or a high water table could trigger a steady and massive flow in your sump basin. A proficient plumber can assist homeowners in raising the sump pump to resolve the issue with a high water table.

The expert can install a different pump in another basement corner to improve the system. Since many houses are designed uniquely, it’s crucial to contact a professional plumbing service to examine your situation and generate a better plan to resolve the issue.

The System Runs Non-Stop

At times, your sump pump could be operating non-stop because of a switch problem. The float is a crucial element in ensuring a simple operation of the switch. When the pump shifts, it generates switch problems making the float ineffective. Float is a vital element since it allows the smooth on and off operation of the switch.

For an effective sump pump operation, the float and switch should be kept in their appropriate working conditions. If you notice the continuous operation of your system, don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumbing company in Jacksonville, FL.

Constant Power Outages

Many sump pump systems are joined to the home’s electrical system. Some elements of the pump may be at risk of damage due to power surges, resulting in system failure. Therefore, next time you experience a power surge, ensure to check your pump or consult a plumber to help you fit an auxiliary pump that runs on a backup marine battery.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing; A Trusted Plumber

Family-owned and operated, Bert Norman’s Plumbing provides sump pump services to homeowners in Jacksonville, FL. Whether your home requires sump pump installation, replacement, or repair, you can rely on our trained plumbers. We will be glad to assist in drain cleaning, repiping, and sewer line solutions. All you need is to contact us.

When it rains in Jacksonville, FL you probably look at the amount of rain coming down and wonder if you will have water come into your house. Plumbing-Service--Comparing-Floor-Drains-to-Sump-Pumps-_-Jacksonville,-FL-If you have water coming into your house you will need to call for plumbing service. There are differences to how floor drains and sump pumps work and the advantages and disadvantages to each. They’ll have different effects on your house and the drainage table in general. In fact there are many meteorological, climate, and neighborhood differences that will affect how rainwater will come into or go around your house, affecting your decision to call for services.

What causes the water coming into my house?

The most common answer here is storms and flooding, but just because you have a storm doesn’t mean you’ll get water every time. The higher the rate of rainfall per hour is the higher the likelihood that water will enter your house. If your neighborhood is on a hill and you’re on the bottom of it you’re going to increase the odds of your house becoming flooded. If you live near a drainage canal or creek you also increase the likelihood of water coming into your house. All of that damage can cause you to call for plumbing service.

As for your house itself you can get water in your house from not only rain but from broken and leaking pipes in your house. These issues will require a call for plumbing service and a wait to get your system repaired. But when a sump pump fails, or a drain pipe backs up there will be differing reasons for why each one fails or causes backups.

Houses with Drain Pipes

If you have a house with only drain pipes you may want a plumbing service to come check your drains. They are linked directly to your local sewer drain system and can back up if the drains are over taxed. These drains are extremely low maintenance and have a low cost. However they do have multiple drawbacks. If you aren’t near the end of a sewer drain run you will increase the likelihood that it will back up into your home. Also, if you live in an area developed along a hill having a house with a drain pipe along the bottom of the hill will also increase the chances of it backing up into the house.

In most newer homes or in most of the area locally you won’t have drain pipes because of the low elevation of Florida in general and the fact that we have the St. John’s River and the closely linked bodies and water will not be in many homes. With all the rain that falls, and the fact that we are so low to sea level there is a pretty good chance that they would back up on a normal basis. Every time they back up you will be calling for plumbing service to get your house back in working order. If you have a house with just a slab or a shallow depth like a crawlspace this will affect you less and your home will have some sort of slope or allowance for some water.

Houses with Sump Pumps

Sump Pumps are systems that are installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace that help push moisture into the sewers or outside the house and keeps it from staying under your house. These are convenient and common to see in the area and help keep water, mold, and mildew, and plumbing service away. They have been something that has been required in many homes built after 1987 and have been retroactively added to many older homes as flooding issues have come up.

To install there is a pit hat has to be dug under your home, usually about two feet deep and about a foot and a half in diameter. In that pit you’ll notice ground water start to fill up. After a certain point the pump, which will be installed over the pit there is a sensor that will suck the water up from the pit that has been collected and push it up and out of the tank through a pipe that is connected to the outside of the house. In many neighborhoods that have direct water system drainage alongside wastewater treatment you can actually have a sump set up to drain directly into the sewer for water source discharge. However, if your sewer system is hooked up to a treatment plant you will likely have your pipe just buried in the back of your lot and it will discharge into your lawn.

Your plumbing service representative will tell you what is best for your house to keep your sump running. Sump pumps will last about a decade for your house and your plumbing service professional should be able to tell you if you need a replacement. Sump pumps are fairly inexpensive to replace but if you don’t do it quickly you will have water coming up into your basement or crawlspace. Many people who have sump pumps also have back ups installed so that when one fails another can keep running until you can buy a new main unit. Without that you will end up having water come into your house and damaging your belongings.

When you’re ready to call for plumbing service in the greater Jacksonville, FL area give a call to Bert Norman’s Plumbing out of Yulee. They have the experience and expertise to give you top quality service and will ensure your job is done right the first time. If you need service for your sump pumps or drainage pipes or have questions about how each option will affect your house during a storm give them a call. The experts at Bert Norman’s Plumbing can also help you with drain cleaning, water heater questions, new plumbing systems or toilet and faucet repair.

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