Tag Archives: Sump Pump issues

What You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump

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Whether you have moved into a new house that is equipped with a sump pump, or you are considering replacing the current one in your home, it is important to have the right knowledge in order to prevent costly breakdowns, inconvenient problems, and common user errors, down the line. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about your sump pump.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Service
Indianapolis Sump Pump Service 317-784-1870

Testing Your Sump Pump

When it comes to your sump pump, the most important factor is function. You must periodically check on your unit to ensure it is still working properly. To test your sump pump’s operation, all you have to do is fill up a 3 to 5 gallon bucket with water and pour it into your sump pit. As the pit fills up with water, the float trigger should activate. Then, the water should drain from the pit and the pump should turn off. If this all happens, your sump pump is still operational. If the trigger activates but the water does not drain, or the pump does not shut off, you need to have your sump pump professionally inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber.

Replacing a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are designed to last around 10 years, but their lifespan can vary depending on several factors, such as regular maintenance, number of occupants, annual precipitation, brand or manufacturer, and more. Additionally, the cost of a sump pump averages around $1,000, more or less, depending on the make, model, and retailer you choose. For this reason, it is important to provide sufficient maintenance and care on a regular basis to avoid breakdowns and premature replacements.

Sump Pump Repairs

If your sump pump is experiencing some minor issues, have them addressed right away, before the problem can grow into something worse, and therefore, more expensive. The general rule of thumb is to have your unit inspected professional once every year, regardless of its performance. Failed sump pumps lead to costly basement flooding and property damages, meaning it is much cheaper to replace or repair a sump pump rather than pay for basement and foundation renovations.  See our blog, “Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break” to learn what signs to look for in a failing sump pump.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional sump pump service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience working with sump pump inspections, repairs, and replacements. Best of all, we carry the Zoeller Aquanot® sump pump and can install it for you at the most competitive price in town! Call 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate for sump pump repair and service in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Common Sump Pump Issues With Melting Snow

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Now that the outdoor temperatures are fluctuating more and more, the snow accumulation is not sticking around as long. Everywhere you look, pavements, lawns, and more are soaking wet as if a long storm just passed through; but really, all the excess moisture is a result of the recent melting snow. Although we can be happy that the snow is going away and spring is even closer than before, there are some serious issues associated with snow thaw and plumbing, namely, with sump pumps.

If you have a sump pump system in your home or office, you need to learn what issues might arise during this exponential snow thaw. Continue reading to do just that.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair 317-784-1870
Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair 317-784-1870

Sump Pump Maintenance

Whether you have a residential or commercial sump pump system, one of the most effective methods of maintenance is to routinely inspect it to ensure it is still running and discharging water correctly. Although now is a good time to check this, it is also important to do this a few times a month. Furthermore, it is important to have your system professionally serviced at least once per year by a licensed Indianapolis plumber.

After Melting Snow

Right now, your duty is to ensure your sump pump is still intact and functioning properly. Some of the most common issues associated with melting snow and sump pump systems involve check valves, downspout extensions, blocked drainpipes, burst pipes, and more. Worst of all, plumbing and water leaks can occur in more serious situations, leading to flooding, mold, mildew, and of course, costly renovations and remediation.

Here is what to look for after the snow melts:

Check Valve – Ensure that the check valve is still fitted correctly. Check valves allow water to flow in only one direction, while preventing pumped water from returning back through the line. If water is returning back into the line, there is a problem with the check valve, which requires professional repair.

Downspout Extensions – Check that the downspout extensions are still properly installed. Heavy snow and ice accumulation can knock drain and downspout extensions, as well as other plumbing materials, out of place. This can lead to water accumulation, which can affect your property’s foundation and even lead to a mold outbreak.

Blocked Drainpipes – During the freeze and thaw cycles this time of year experiences, water within drain pipes can also freeze and thaw; but sometimes, the water does not thaw enough, thus causing an obstruction in the pipe. This is common during times of snow melt.

For further details regarding sump pump maintenance and care, read our blog, “Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break” and learn how to protect your system, year-round.

Trusted Sump Pump Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality sump pump service and repair at an affordable price. We use a comprehensive approach to plumbing diagnostics, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. Request a free estimate, today.