Signs You Need a New Sump Pump and How to Get One Installed Fast

Signs You Need a New Sump Pump and How to Get One Installed Fast

Let’s be honest: your sump pump probably isn’t the first thing on your mind when thinking about home maintenance. It’s tucked away in a corner of the basement or crawl space, and most homeowners forget it even exists as long as it isn’t making weird noises or causing problems.

But when a heavy rainstorm rolls through or groundwater levels rise, your sump pump becomes a frontline defense against water damage. If that pump fails when you need it most, then you could end up with a flooded basement, ruined belongings, and thousands of dollars in water damage restoration.

To avoid that headache, it’s important to know when it’s time to consider a new sump pump installation. If your unit is due for a replacement or you need a new installation, then contact Texas Rooter to hire a trained professional for the job.

Sign 1: It's Getting Old

Most sump pumps have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years - granted they’re maintained well. To be clear your pump may still work if it is older than that, but it’s not something you should bet your home on. When it comes to protecting your basement and building's structure, "close enough" isn’t good enough.

If you're not sure how old your sump pump is, then contact Texas Rooter to have a plumber inspect your unit and give you an informed estimate of how much time it has left. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Sign 2: It's Running All the Time

A sump pump that constantly runs - even when it’s not raining or the water table isn’t high - is a red flag. It may be due to an improperly sized pump, a float switch problem, or a system that’s simply overwhelmed.

Overworked pumps are more likely to burn out and fail. A plumbing repair service may be able to fix it, but if your pump is older or undersized for your needs, then a replacement might be the smarter long-term solution.

Sign 3: Strange Sounds or Vibrations

A sump pump won't be completely silent; it should hum or buzz quietly while working. If yours starts clanging, grinding, rattling, or vibrating excessively, however, then it’s likely dealing with internal damage or worn-out components.

Those odd noises may not seem urgent at first, but they often indicate problems with the impeller or motor. Delaying repair can allow bad to get worse, and worse to turn into a worst-case-scenario. Don't wait until the damage is done; contact Texas Rooter for a quick and affordable repair as soon as possible.

Sign 4: Visible Rust or Corrosion

Corrosion can eat away at metal parts, slow down the unit's performance, and eventually cause failure. It can also clog your discharge line or cause the float to stick and prevent the pump from turning on or off correctly.

If you notice rust and corrosion on your unit, then raise the red flag. While specks of rusting are no emergency, extensive corrosion should be addressed as soon as possible.

Sign 5: It Fails During a Storm or Test

Like a fire extinguisher or smoke detector, a sump pump is only helpful if it works in the moment you need it. Regular testing and maintenance help keep it reliable, so get in the habit of pouring a bucket of water into the pit once every couple of weeks. It should activate the pump and remove the excess water.

If your sump pump failed during a recent rainstorm or test, then take it as a wake-up call. It's better late than never. Call or message Texas Rooter to have a plumber come out and investigate. Our team come ready to handle most repairs the first time around.

Texas Rooter is One Call Away

Whether you need a new sump pump installation or are frantically searching for emergency plumbing repair service, the team at Texas Rooter is proud to be the solution. We offer a wide range of plumbing service for residential and commercial systems, and our live representatives are always ready to take your call or message. Contact us today to get in touch!

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Jul 05,2025

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