5 different types of noise created by sump pumps and what they mean
Today, we rely on a sump pump to keep the basement dry and avoid any possible damage to our homes. However, if your pump has started to make strange noises, it might be an indicator of a bigger underlying issue.
This shouldn’t be confused with the constant hum of the sewage treatment plant made by the pump. You need to identify the noise and fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid any additional damage to your basement.
To help you out, we’ve created a list of noises created due to issues in the sump pump and how you can stop them.
Let’s get started!
1. Humming Noises from the Sump Pump
Low humming noises are bound to emanate in a sump pump when it’s working normally. However, if the humming noises get louder or aren’t pumping water well, then you need to conduct a proper check.
First, you should check if any clogs have taken place in the vent hole and clean it if need be. If it doesn’t work, then you might have a stuck valve. In such cases, check if your pump is pointed to discharge.
If the weather is cold outside, your discharge pipes may be frozen. If that’s the case, you should warm the pipe with a space heater to melt the ice inside. In case it doesn’t work, you might have a damaged impeller, a part that’s responsible for pulling water into the pump.
2. Grinding Noise from the Pump
If there are any grinding noises from your sump pump, you need to contact your plumber immediately. These noises usually occur because of a faulty impeller. It might seem bad, but in most cases, it’s because the impeller is jammed.
By solving the problem quickly, the need to replace the impeller might not arrive, saving you additional charges. You should contact a professional to fix this problem, as they can do it quickly or recommend the necessary repairs to avoid any damage to your basement.
3. The Pump is Creating Banging Noises
When your pump is constantly creating a banging sound while continuously working, make sure the discharge pipe is secure. You can fasten the pipes by using a 12-gauge wire. Additionally, if you can find the source of the noise from the pipe, you can place an extra bracket to solve the problem.
Make sure that your pipe brackets are properly fixed to the floor with wood screws to prevent rusting. If you have any issues, you can contact your local plumber to handle this repair.
Also, make sure that there aren’t any internal problems with the pump by conducting a check with a professional. We recommend conducting a maintenance check every year to keep your sump pump in good condition.
4. The Sump Pump is Gurgling or Slurping
If your sump pump is making gurgling noises, you should get rid of the valve near the discharge line and replace it with a silent spring-loaded model. If that doesn’t work, you should adjust the turnoff level in the basing of your pump.
Additionally, get a battery backup for your sump pump if you don’t have one, to completely get rid of the gurgling or slurping sound.
5. Clanging Noises Made by the Sump Pump
Clanging is often caused by heavy vibrations in the sump pump. In such cases, you should consider wrapping the piping with insulation to dampen the clanging. You can also silence the clanging sump pump lid by adding rubber grommets underneath.
In some cases, you can only silence the pump by fixing the position of the pipes. It’s because, during installation, your plumber may have used too many 90-degree turns, causing issues with the flow of the sump pump.
You will need to contact a plumber to create a better path for water to flow. It’ll make your pump quieter and make it function smoothly.
To Sum Up
Strange noises are often an indication of a bigger problem, but by taking immediate action, you can avoid any additional costs. By following these tips, you should have an idea of how you can fix the noises made by the sump pump.
However, it’s always better to contact your plumber and let them diagnose and fix the problems with the pump. Just be sure to identify the problem, so you’re aware of any potential issues that are likely to arise.
Maintain your sump pump to prolong its lifespan and ensure its proper and peak functioning.