Sump pump showing signs of wear and tear? Signs it may be time for a replacement.

With unpredictable weather year-round in Central Ohio, it is important to make sure your sump pump is ready for all sorts of conditions from winter thaws to spring showers and summer thunderstorms. According to West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, March, April, and May are typically the highest months for sump pump-related claims.

Many homeowners keep their sump pump top-of-mind as the snow melts, but the mid-spring and summer thunderstorms can be just as harmful to your appliance. Whether your sump pump is in a sump pit or on a pedestal, a broken sump pump can cause a flooded basement leading to mold, mildew and various other unpleasant health concerns.

Here are two ways to safely restart your sump pump to ensure it’s working correctly:

• Like your computer, unplugging a sump pump can also cause it to restart, but remember to unplug both the float switch and motor plugs, if applicable.
• For those with a sump pit, slowly pour about five gallons of water into the pit or enough to activate the float switch. If it works properly, the machine should start dispelling the water.

Also important is to make sure your sump pump has a battery back-up system in case of power outages and will continue to get the water out while the power is out.

Common Signs of Wear and Tear

Based on the manufacturer’s estimates, sump pumps can last up to 10 years. However, living in a variable climate like Ohio, that estimate can vary. Below are several things you can watch for to ensure your sump pump is running correctly or when you need to call a plumber.

• Rust on a sump pump is typical due to age, but too much rust can damage or clog the pump, causing it to fail.
• If the water level in your sump pit is higher than normal, it usually indicates pump failure.
• Like most home appliances, loud noises and unusual cycles are the tell-tale sign of a malfunction and need for immediate inspection.

If the above options fail or you notice a problem, you can contact Atlas Butler 24/7 at 1-800-FURNACE (Yes. Even for Plumbing.) to speak with a representative or schedule an appointment online with one of our licensed plumbers to assess the situation.

You can also check out our ABC6 On Your Side segment if you’d rather learn through seeing!