There are several ways a faulty sump pump may raise your energy bills. If it’s not draining water properly, the water will build up in your basement and cause humidity to increase. This increased humidity will make your home feel warmer in summer and colder in winter, causing your energy bills to rise.
In some cases, a faulty sump pump can also cause leaks. These leaks can let moisture into your home, again increasing the humidity levels and making your heating and cooling systems work harder.
What are some signs that your sump pump is faulty?
Several clues may indicate that your sump pump isn’t working properly.
If you notice that water is starting to accumulate in the sump pit, that’s a sign that it isn’t doing its job. Check that the float switch (the part of the pump that turns it on and off) is free of debris and can move up and down freely. If it appears stuck, try gently jiggling it until it moves. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the float switch entirely.
Water seepage around your foundation, basement, or crawl space could also be due to a faulty sump pump. Inspect the discharge line (the pipe that carries water away from the sump pit) to make sure there are no blockages or leaks. If everything looks clear, then the issue may be with the pump itself.
If your sump pump seems to be constantly running, even when there hasn’t been any recent rain or snowmelt, that could signal something’s wrong. A common culprit is a problem with the float switch, but it could also be an issue with the impeller (the part of the pump that moves water). Either way, it’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible since continuous running can quickly lead to pump failure.
Strange noises from your sump pump often indicate something is wrong with the impeller or the motor, neither of which are easy (or cheap) for a homeowner to fix. We’ll come out and take a look so we can diagnose and fix the problem before it becomes more serious and expensive.
Reach Out for Sump Pump Repair
A sump pump is essential for any home with a basement or crawl space. Like any mechanical device, they’re not built to last forever. A faulty sump pump can cause serious damage to your home and raise your energy bills. If you suspect your sump pump might be failing, don’t wait until things get bad. Reach out to Royal Services so that we can get to the heart of the issue.