Is Your Ottawa Sump Pump Working Right?

May 2, 2022

If you’re using a sump pump within your home in Ottawa to protect your basement from the elements and keep it nice and dry – it’s always important to maintain that pump and ensure it’s working correctly. But like any other system in your home, it too can fail. So here are a few signs to always be on the lookout for to let you know when it might be time for a repair or replacement.

On and Off Cycling

If you notice that your sump pump is kicking on and off constantly, this is one of the first clues that may need some attention. This usually occurs if there’s too much water for your pump to handle. If your basin is too small for the amount of water it has to deal with, the on-and-off cycle is clearly a sign that it’s too much for your pump to cope with, which can end up burning out the motor.

It’s Noisy

One of the easiest ways to keep tabs on how your system is functioning is simply by listening. A constant low hum is all that should be noticeable. If you start to hear anything more than that, such as a clanking or grinding noise, this could be a sign of some internal damage.

It’s Not Kicking On When it Should

If your pump isn’t turning on when it should be, before you draw any conclusions, check the float switch to ensure that it isn’t stuck. This can often be the reason for it to malfunction. However, if you find the switch is just fine, then you could have a bigger problem.

Long Run-time

Sometimes, a long run-time when your pump kicks on can indicate that there’s too much water that it has to deal with, or there’s too far of a distance for it to transport the water. Either way, it means it’s struggling. Any time your pump seems like it is struggling, it will inevitably be causing damage to the motor.

So if you’re relying on a sump pump to keep your home dry and free of mold, it’s important to do regular checkups on the system to ensure it’s working properly. The last thing you want is for rainfall to happen when your pump is struggling and in need of repairs or replacement. Always check and maintain your pump to make sure your home is getting the best protection from the elements.

The Crack Doctor is proud to provide expert advice to homeowners in Ottawa and throughout the GTA. Get in touch if you’d like the pros to take care of your wet basement or foundation crack.

With these tips, you will be better prepared to determine if your sump pump is working properly.  If you have any questions or require a free foundation consultation on your home, contact The Crack Doctor today!

Latest Foundation Crack Repair Tips

crack doctor expert beside sump pump

More About Waterproofing Your Home