A sewer pump propels waste in the below-grade areas through the plumbing fixtures to the main sewer line. While sewer pumps are created sturdily, they deteriorate over time. In addition to age-related deterioration, the pump can fail due to a lack of routine maintenance. With a failing sewer pump, you'll experience sewage backups in your drains, hindering the functionality of the indoor facilities. If repairing the system doesn't resolve the problem, it might be time to get a new pump. Below are the signs that it's time for the sewer pump replacement.
Unusual Noises
Your sewage system could be defective if you hear odd noises after using your plumbing fixtures. For instance, gurgling sounds when flushing your toilet indicate a blockage within the drainage. Depositing non-biodegradable items down the drain cause obstructions to the flow of wastewater, bringing about these noises. Sometimes, the pump's float switch can hinder the pump from ejecting waste due to age-related deterioration. Then, you'll hear grinding noises indicating a jammed impeller or fan. Additionally, you may hear banging noises if the impeller is rubbing on the pump's housing.
Slow Drains
You may experience slow drains if a blockage in your pipes impedes wastewater flow. However, slow drains can result from a dying sewer pump. This occurs when water begins seeping into the motor windings, making them rust. As a result, the motor will lack enough torque for shaft rotation, causing slow drains. Furthermore, exceptionally low voltage makes the sewer pump cycle inconsistently. Because of that, the pump won't eject waste effectively, leading to sewage backups and slow drains.
Weird Smells
If your basement is smelling like toilet bowl fragrance, your pump could be faulty. This smell occurs when bearings start scraping against each other due to a lack of lubrication. When that happens, the impeller will fail, preventing the pump from emptying the basin after it turns on. In addition, sewage smells can occur due to waste build-up in the pump. The best way to resolve these issues is by replacing the pump.
Non-stop On-and-off Cycles
A sewer pump will cycle on and off when pushing wastewater from the pit to the main line. Unfortunately, your pump may run non-stop if the control float switch gets out of adjustment. In this case, the motor might burn out, increasing the pump's deterioration rate. Your plumber might need to adjust the float switch to remedy this problem. If this doesn't work, replacing the entire pump might be the best solution.
A defective sewer pump will consume more energy and inconvenience your household activities. Thus, you should contact a local plumber to install a sewer pump replacement if you notice the above signs.