York Sump Pump Services

The sump pump is your home's first line of defense against flooding and water damage. Call the sump pump experts in York, PA, at RiverView Mechanical when you need repair, maintenance, or installation.

RiverView Mechanical is your trusted local source for all of your plumbing needs. We proudly serve residents in most boroughs, townships, and other areas throughout York County.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service at fair, honest prices and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

At RiverView Mechanical, we provide septic tank repair and installation solutions. Contact us today to schedule service!

Common Sump Pump Problems

For many homes, a sump pump is crucial to keeping people safe and protected from flood damage. However, even the most well-maintained sump pump can develop problems, causing it to fail when you need it most.

Here are the most common issues you might experience that warrant calling a professional for maintenance or repair.

The Pump is the Wrong Size

One of the most common problems we see with sump pumps is when someone has installed one that's the wrong size for their needs. If the pump is too large, it will work harder than needed and wear out more quickly. If it's too small, it won't be able to keep up with high water flow, and you could end up with a flood.

Improper Installation

Sometimes, a sump pump may have been incorrectly installed, and you can often tell if you hear the motor running, but it's not pumping water. Maybe it's not connected to your home's drainage system, or it wasn't set correctly.

The Pump is Overcapacity

If you've recently had a storm or heavy downpour, your sump pump may not be able to handle the amount of water that's coming in. If you've ever been in this situation, it's wise to upgrade to a bigger pump, so you're prepared for the next heavy rainfall.

Clogs

Another common problem we see is intake clogs. If you don't perform routine sump pump maintenance, it's easy to overlook intake clogs, which can cause the system to fail when you need it most. Also, you must watch for clogs in the discharge line too. If the discharge line is clogged, the water pumped out of your house has nowhere to go and may back up into your home.

Call us for regular sump pump maintenance.

York County Sump Pump Replacement

You know how vital your sump pump is to protect your valuable property during heavy rains or flooding. However, it defeats the purpose of having one if the system doesn’t work when you need it.

Although you can extend the lifespan of your sump pump with routine maintenance, eventually, you should replace it to maximize your protection.

Here are the most common signs that your sump pump needs to be replaced.

The Pump Doesn't Run

If there's water in the pit, but the pump isn't turning on as it should, it could be caused by several problems, including:

Stuck float valve
A broken float mechanism
Loose electrical connection
Tripped breaker
Burned-out motor
Jammed impeller
The pump is failing

The Pump Makes Strange Noises

Another common sign that your sump pump is past its prime is if you hear strange noises when it's running, such as grinding or rattling. These sounds could indicate that the motor is giving out or that there are damaged internal parts, causing them to vibrate. Sometimes, you can fix these problems via a simple repair, but it may be wiser to replace the pump if it's over ten years old.

The Pump Runs Continuously

Your sump pump shouldn't constantly run unless the pit is always full of water. If that's the case, you likely need a bigger sump pump. However, if the pump runs when the pit is empty, it could be that the float switch is jammed or that the pump isn't positioned correctly. In the worst case, however, it could be that your pump is past its prime and needs to be upgraded.

Age

Lastly, the typical lifespan of a sump pump is about ten years, so even if your system seems to be working fine, it's best not to push your luck and have it fail when you need it, so replace it approximately every ten years to be safe.

Whether you need sump pump repair or replacement, you can count on the professionals in York, PA, at RiverView Mechanical. Call us today at 717-810-7276 to book your appointment!