A sump pump is an important component of any home's plumbing system because it enables the home to properly manage and move water away from the foundation. Unfortunately, it can also be quite noisy, leading to issues such as potential home damage, loss of sleep, and annoying neighbors. In this article, we’ll examine the potential causes of sump pump noises and what you can do to troubleshoot them.
Common Causes of Sump Pump Noises
The most common cause of sump pump noise is a lack of lubrication. When the sump pump's internal parts are not well-lubricated, it causes them to rub together and create an audible grinding sound. Another common cause is an issue with the pump's impeller. If the impeller is grinding against the wall of the discharge pipe, it can create a loud noise that is often described as a "clanking" sound. Additionally, the pump's motor can also act up and start making a humming noise.
Diagnosing Sump Pump Noises
When diagnosing sump pump noises, it's important to first rule out the possibility of any mechanical damage. It's not uncommon for sump pumps to get bumped around or drop items into their intake valve, and these could potentially damage the motor. If this is not the case, the next step would be to take the cover off of the sump pump and visually inspect the motor, impeller, and other internal parts. If you detect any damage, it's best to replace the component in question.
Lubricating the Sump Pump
After confirming that there's no mechanical damage to the sump pump, the next step would be to determine whether the problem is due to a lack of lubrication. If the noise is a grinding or rattling sound, then it's safe to assume that the issue stems from a lack of lubrication. The good news is that this is usually an easy fix: simply add a few drops of oil to the sump pump's intake valve and let it sit for a few hours.
Replacing the Impeller
If the noise is a sharp, clanking sound, then it's likely due to damage to the impeller. This can happen when something gets stuck in the sump pump, causing the impeller to grind against the discharge pipe's wall. To remedy this, you'll need to remove the impeller, inspect it for damage and replace if necessary.
Replacing the Motor
In some cases, the sump pump motor may be the root cause of the noise. If the motor has any visible damage or it continues humming even after the cover has been taken off, then you'll need to completely replace the motor. This is a complex repair and should only be done by a certified plumber or technician.
Final Thoughts
Sump pump noise can be a nuisance for homeowners, but thankfully it is usually an easy fix. As we have discussed, the most common causes are a lack of lubrication, a damaged impeller, and a defective motor. Doing a thorough visual inspection and adding a few drops of oil to the sump pump's intake valve can usually take care of the issue. If you suspect a more complicated repair is needed, be sure to contact a qualified local plumber to inspect further.
Despite the occasional sump pump noise, learning to identify and fix these issues can help preserve the longevity of your sump pump system and help reduce potential home damage.
