Have you ever had a leaky water line? Or worse, have you ever noticed your basement or crawl space filling up with water even though it's not raining? It's likely that your sump pump is to blame. While it's designed to keep your home free from flooding, a sump pump can break or fail on you at any moment.
Pumps are made to be durable, so they can handle the wear and tear day in and day out. But no matter how strong the pump is, it can still break down over time. It also tends to fail during the coldest season, at a time when it's most needed.
With sump pump systems, you can’t afford to take chances. There’s so much on the line—your home, which is probably your most valuable possession, as well as your family’s safety. So, it’ll be a wise decision to leave repairs on your sump pump in the hands of a professional. Keep reading to learn important things before calling a sump pump repair service:
Jump to:
- 1. Research Where To Find A Reliable Sump Pump Service
- 2. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
- 3. Know The Location Of Your Pump
- 4. Familiarize Yourself With The Signs Of A Sump Pump Failure
- 5. Be Aware Of The Kind Of Contract To Sign
- 6. Find Out How Much The Repair Will Cost
- 7. Look For Essential Qualities
1. Research Where To Find A Reliable Sump Pump Service
It's always best to avail of sump pump repair service when you need some work done on the system. This is because they’re professionals who are experienced and are equipped with the necessary skills to fix the problem quickly.
To find a reliable one, you could ask for references from previous homeowner clients. With references, you could check whether these clients received exceptional services from the professional or learn what they liked best about working with the company.
2. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a sump pump repair. Therefore, it’s important to clarify with your insurance agent what coverage you have for sump pump repairs. If you aren't covered under your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, then it's time to reach out to an independent insurance agency.
But if your insurance does cover a sump pump repair, then you can go ahead and call the company.
3. Know The Location Of Your Pump
The location of your pump will be a big consideration in what you should do next. If the pump is located outside, you may need to call a plumber for help. The plumber can help with any repairs and maintain the pump for you.
If the pump is located inside the house, it won’t be as complicated as an outdoor repair. You'll need to locate your main water shut-off valve and turn that off before any repair work begins. Once that's done, you can open up your basement drain and turn on your sump pump again to ensure there aren’t any leaks from the pipework.
4. Familiarize Yourself With The Signs Of A Sump Pump Failure
The first sign of trouble is often the water in the basement. If you notice that the sump pump isn’t working any longer or isn’t pumping enough water, it's a sign that it needs repair or replacement.
You should also be aware of other signs that your sump pump may have gone haywire:
- Slow water drainage from the sump pit
- A humming noise from the sump pump motor
- Grinding sounds from the motor
- The float switch stuck in a position that prevents a full discharge cycle
Knowing the signs will help differentiate between false alarms and real problems in your sump pump. You can take photos of the damaged areas so that you can explain better when describing the problem to the technician. Moreover, you can attach them to the emails you send.
5. Be Aware Of The Kind Of Contract To Sign
Pump repair services do not come cheap. This is because professionals require payment upfront or in full before the service is performed. So, what kind of contract should you sign with them?
It depends on your preference. Some professionals will require payment upfront while others are more flexible. You must be completely aware of how the company works before signing any contracts with them. You can also talk to others who have had work done by this company, so you can gather more information about whether they're worth signing a contract with.
6. Find Out How Much The Repair Will Cost
If your basement has recently flooded, you're probably wondering how much it costs to fix a clogged sump pump. The average cost of a sump pump repair is typically between USD$350 and USD$700. However, the price will vary depending on the size of the home's sump pump system, how skilled the technician is, and any other important factors.
It's crucial to know that some repairs can cost more than others, so it's best to determine what needs fixing before calling a company. Many companies will have customer service representatives who can help with this process over the phone or through email. If you do consult with a customer service representative, be sure to ask if there are any other fees in addition to the service charge. Some companies charge extra fees for things, like travel time, mileage, and materials.
7. Look For Essential Qualities
The best way to ensure that you're getting exemplary repair service for your sump pump repair or replacement is to look for some essential qualities:
- The company specializes in sump pumps.
- The company has good reviews. Word of mouth can often give you an idea about what kind of services are offered.
- The company offers emergency services. These kinds services will be helpful if something happens during the process of repairs or installations.
- Warranty on any work being done is available. If there’s none, it’ll be better to go someplace else.
- The price of the service is affordable and reasonable.
Such qualities are what separate good service companies from the rest. A good company will mean the issues are fixed properly. However, getting low-quality services will mean dealing with the same problem repeatedly.
Conclusion
Sump pumps are critical for a better home, and at no time should you stay with a malfunctioning one. By learning all these tips, you’ll be prepared when your sump pump stops working. If you need help with a sump pump repair or installation, don't hesitate to call a professional.
