Hurricane season in Florida is notorious for causing water to build up faster than it can drain. At times, the excess water can cause substantial damage to your property. Sump pumps keep groundwater from rising before it reaches flood levels. Flooding causes thousands of dollars in damage. A high quality and well-maintained sump pump is your first line of defense against costly flood damage. In this article, we’ll take a look at different types of sump pumps and sump pump repairs.
Types of Sump Pumps
- Backup Sump Pumps – Used in combination with other sump pumps.
- Sewage Sump Pumps – Used for homes with a sewage line below the mainline. They add additional force to help remove waste from your home.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps – These are the least expensive sump pumps. They sit on a pedestal above ground. They’re the cheapest and easiest to install but also less efficient compared to submersible sump pumps.
- Submersible Sump Pumps – These are less likely to need replacement, are a more permanent option, quiet, and less visible than pedestal sump pumps.
Signs You Need Sump Pump Repairs
Sometimes a sump pump repair is all you need to keep that extra layer of insurance in place. Over time your sump pump will need some care and attention. Here are some signs that your sump pump probably needs some repairs or major maintenance.
- Mold and Mildew Smell – Because your sump pump is constantly exposed to water, it can be vulnerable to mold and mildew growth if it’s not cleaned regularly. Over time, the buildup of mold and mildew can lead to a musty smell associated with the sump pump. If you notice a musty or unpleasant smell in your basement, especially around the sump pump pit, it’s a sign your pump needs cleaning and possibly repairs.
- Stuck Float or Switch – Sump pumps incorporate a float or switch that is triggered when excess water in the sump pit is detected. Your sump pump relies on the proper operation of the float and switch to activate and do its job. If the switch or float gets stuck, your pump may not work even if the water level rises above the threshold. Likewise, if the switch is stuck to on after the water clears, the pump can overheat as it’s no longer pushing water out. If your float or switch keeps getting stuck, you need a sump pump repair service.
- Noisy Sump Pump – While your sump pump is not supposed to operate without sound, it should not create loud or disturbing noises. Most homeowners never notice when their sump pumps are operating. If you do notice very loud or strange noises coming from the sump pump, it’s time to get it serviced by a professional plumber.
Need Help with Sump Pump Repairs?
Top of the Line Plumbing provides plumbing services to Duval County, St. Johns County, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and the surrounding areas. There isn’t a plumbing job too big or too small for our team to handle. From repairs and repiping to hydro jetting and water filtration, Top of the Line has the experts to get the job done.
904-647-1221
