Sump Pump Repair in Rochester, NY

Sump pumps are the unsung heroes installed in basements and crawl spaces to keep your Rochester home high and dry. These trusty little workhorses automatically detect rising water levels and kick into gear to pump that excess moisture out through a discharge line before it can cause any flooding.

At their core, sump pumps are pretty simple – just a pit or basin dug into the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace to collect any water that finds its way in. That pit contains a powerful pump that’s ready to take charge when needed.

Most pumps rely on a float switch system to automatically detect rising water levels in the sump pit. When that float rises to a certain level, it triggers the pump to activate and start pushing water out through a discharge pipe that runs away from your home’s foundation.

The pumps themselves come in a few different variations:

Pedestal Pumps – These sit upright in the pit with the pump motor elevated above the basin to avoid getting submerged.

Submersible Pumps – As the name implies, these tough pumps can be fully submerged in the pit since their motors are waterproofed.

Battery Backups – Many sump pumps have a secondary battery-powered pump as well in case of power outages.

Most residential pumps rely on powerful centrifugal force to rapidly expel water up and out of the discharge pipe. The pumps don’t actually move the water through suction. Instead, they use a fast spinning impeller to fling that water outward and create flow.

While sump pumps may seem basic, they’re often the first defensive line protecting your basement from costly water damage. Keeping them in proper working order is crucial – because once that pit starts overflowing, you’re in for a wet mess!

Don’t panic if your sump pump suddenly calls it quits – but don’t dillydally either! An unresponsive pump can quickly lead to a flooded basement nightmare. Before you break out the life jackets and rain slickers, try giving these rhino wrangling tips a shot first:

Give It a Reset

Like any hard-working appliance, sump pumps can sometimes just need a hard reboot to clear any stubborn electrical gremlins. Locate the pump’s reset switch or circuit breaker and cycle the power off and back on again to restart it.

Check for Clogs

If a simple reset doesn’t get it pumping again, the next likely culprit could be a clogged or frozen discharge line not allowing proper water outflow. Carefully try clearing out any built-up debris, ice, mud or obstructions in that output pipe using a plumber’s snake or other tool.

Listen for Sounds

With the power cycled back on, go give the sump pump a listen. If you hear any humming, buzzing, whirring or clicking sounds it could indicate the motor is still trying its hardest to run but can’t due to an obstruction, bound impeller or mechanical failure.

Test the Float Switch

That little float switch is what tells the pump when to turn on as water levels start rising in the pit. Make sure it has free range of motion and isn’t stuck, weighed down or restricted in any way preventing it from properly activating the pump.

Check Power Supply

In some cases, a pump may not be getting adequate power supply if circuits, breakers or wiring have issues. You can test the outlet it’s plugged into using a circuit tester to rule out any electrical shortcomings.

If you’ve tried all those basic DIY troubleshooting steps and your sump pump still won’t take charge and start pumping, it’s time to quit horsing around and call in the Reimer repair rhinos! Dial (716) 272-2371 right away – we’ll have a tech out immediately to get your basement’s first line of flooding defense back up and running properly.

Like any hard-working appliance, sump pumps will start dropping hints when they’re in need of a little TLC. Picking up on those subtle signs can prevent minor issues from becoming a full-blown flooded basement fiasco. Here are some red flags to stay on the lookout for:

Strange Noises

If your sump pump starts sounding like a box of rocks in the spin cycle, take note. Excessive rattling, grinding, or whining noises can signal anything from a stuck impeller to failing motor bearings in need of repair.

Infrequent Operation

During heavy downpours or when snow is rapidly melting, your sump pump should be frequently kicking on to deal with rising water levels. If it’s only running sporadically or not at all, something’s probably amiss with the pump, float switch, or power supply.

Visible Corrosion

Since these pumps are constantly getting their feet wet down in those dank pits, it’s normal for some surface rust and corrosion to occur over time. But if you start noticing excessive rust, caked-on debris, or deterioration, that could point to impending part failures.

Persistent Dampness

Sump pumps are designed to leave those basements and crawlspaces bone dry. If you start noticing persistent dampness, moisture stains, or standing water around the sump pit area when the pump is running, chances are it’s struggling to keep up due to reduced performance.

Frequent Cycling

On the flip side, if that sump pump is running in a constant cycle unable to shut off even during dry spells, it could be a sign of a stuck switch, air-lock, or other issue preventing it from pumping out water effectively.

The earlier you catch little quirks like these, the easier (and cheaper!) it is for the Reimer team to get in there and make those minor repairs before more serious damage occurs. When it comes to sump pumps, an ounce of prevention is worth a bone-dry basement!

Even the hardest-working rhino guardians can’t keep chugging forever. Over time, various gremlins and wear-and-tear can cause sump pumps to throw in the towel and leave your basement high and dry – or rather, not so dry.

Here are some of the most common culprits behind sump pump failures:

Power Outages

When the lights go out during storms, so does your sump pump’s ability to operate – unless you’ve got a battery backup system installed. Extended outages can quickly overwhelm the sump pit and lead to flooding.

Clogged Discharge Pipes

If that discharge line where the pump expels water gets clogged with debris, frozen over, or damaged, it puts excessive strain on the system. The pump will struggle to push water through those blockages until it eventually burns out.

Stuck Float Switches

That little float device is what tells the pump when to turn on as water levels rise. When they get stuck in the “on” or “off” position due to corrosion or obstructions, it can prevent the pump from operating properly.

Excessive Dirt/Debris

Over time, mud, gravel, and other sediment can build up and jam spinning impellers or valves within the pump itself. All that gunk makes it harder to move water efficiently.

Failed Mechanical Parts

Like any machine with fast-moving parts, critical sump pump components like motors, impellers, and switches will eventually wear out over years of constant operation. Mechanical failures are inevitable without proper maintenance.

Poor Maintenance

Speaking of maintenance – lack of routine cleaning, testing, and part replacements is probably the biggest culprit behind premature sump pump burnout. These hard workers need regular TLC to stay in fighting shape.

Age

Even with proper care, sump pumps just don’t last forever. Most have an expected lifespan of 5-10 years before their performance starts seriously degrading and replacement is needed.

The key is catching those little issues early through regular inspections and maintenance. Otherwise, your sump pump could end up taking an unplanned permanent vacation!

When it comes to keeping your sump pump standing guard against flooding, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Here are some tips to keep that pump primed and ready for action:

Test It Regularly

Don’t just assume your sump pump is up and running properly. Take a few minutes every month or so to pour a bucket of water into the pit and verify that it’s triggering the pump to turn on and clear that water out. Catch any operational issues early!

Keep the Pit Clear

Over time, all sorts of gunk like dirt, gravel, and debris can accumulate in that sump pit and clog up the workings. Make a habit of periodically cleaning out any muck to keep things flowing smoothly.

Check the Discharge Line

While you’re doing those pit cleanings, take a peek at the discharge pipe carrying water away from your home. Make sure it’s draining properly with no obstructions, clogs, or leaks that could cause backflow issues.

Listen for Strange Noises

If your sump pump starts sounding more like a box of rocks in the spin cycle, take note. Excessive grinding, whirring or rattling can be early signs of impeller jams or failing motor bearings in need of repair.

Inspect the Components

Do a quick visual once-over of the pump, float switch, check valve, and other components. Watch for any signs of corrosion, debris buildup, or visible damage that could lead to problems down the line.

Schedule Annual Tuneups

As with any hardworking appliance, yearly professional inspections and tuneups from the Reimer rhino crew are recommended to thoroughly test performance and make any needed calibrations or part replacements.

A little preventative maintenance allows you to catch and fix any little sump pump quirks before they snowball into a full-on flooded basement disaster. Don’t give that rhino guardian any reason to quit on you!

The million dollar question for any sump pump owner – how many years can I expect to get out of this trusty guardian before it’s time for retirement?

On average, most quality sump pumps will keep faithfully standing watch over your basement for 8-10 years with proper care and maintenance. But just like any hardworking appliance, lack of TLC can certainly cut that lifespan short.

Without regular cleaning, testing, and part replacements as needed, sump pumps get bogged down by excessive wear-and-tear pretty quickly. All that built-up gunk, corrosion, and strain on components means even a 5-year lifespan can be pushing it in some situations.

On the flip side, with diligent annual tune-ups and maintenance from the Reimer rhino crew, some impressively long-lasting sump pumps still chugging along strong for 12, 15 years or more. A little preventative care goes a very long way!

The bottom line is this – if you want to get maximum years of faithful service out of your sump pump, partnering with an experienced pro for regular inspections is an absolute must. Our team of professionals know how to keep your flooding defense system primed and ready to take charge for years to come.

Hearing that sump pump kick on and start churning away during heavy rain or snowmelt is music to a homeowner’s ears, but if that sound doesn’t stop at all, that’s cause for concern.

Under normal circumstances, sump pumps should only run intermittently to deal with rising water levels in the pit. Once that pit is emptied, the pump should cycle off until more water starts accumulating again.

So if your rhino guardian just keeps chugging along non-stop, 24/7, something’s probably amiss. Some potential causes could include:

Stuck Float Switch

If that float device gets stuck in the “on” position from debris or corrosion, it continuously signals the pump to run whether water is present or not.

Air Lock Issues

An air lock or vapor lock in the discharge pipe can prevent proper water flow. The pump just keeps running fruitlessly trying to push that trapped air bubble.

Excessive Water Intake

In some cases, the pump may simply be overwhelmed by excessive groundwater continuously flooding into the sump pit faster than it can discharge.

Failed Check Valve

A faulty or stuck check valve can cause water to backflow into the sump pit immediately after the pump cycles off, forcing it to restart over and over.

Pump Failure

If the pump itself has significant damage like a bad impeller or motor, it may run erratically and struggle to properly expel water from the pit.

While a little continuous runtime here and there is normal during extremely wet periods, any persistent non-stop operation is a surefire sign it’s time to call in the Reimer repair rhinos. Letting those issues go unaddressed can quickly lead to premature pump burnout or even basement flooding.

When those classic Rochester thunderstorms start rolling in, it’s not just your lights and TV that go dark during power outages. That trusty sump pump rhino guardian gets benched too, unable to kick into gear and deal with any rising water levels.

That’s why having a reliable battery backup system installed is an absolute must for any Rochester homeowner serious about flood protection. These secondary pumps have their own independent power source to keep on chugging even when the electricity quits.

With our area’s propensity for wicked weather that frequently knocks out utilities, it’s really just a matter of when, not if, you’ll end up needing that backup pump to jump into action. All it takes is one extended outage during heavy rains for that sump pit to rapidly overflow.

Battery backup pumps typically provide a good 6-12 hours of runtime to get you through temporary blips. Some even include water level alarms to alert you when they’ve kicked on. For true peace of mind, you can also opt for backup units that run off your home’s natural gas supply or a generator hookup.

At the end of the day, having a sump pump without any kind of backup power is like trying to bail out a sinking ship with a leaky bucket. When that primary pump inevitably gets benched, you’re left high and very much not dry.

Don’t get caught all wet during the next big storm! The Reimer rhino crew can get you set up with a trusted battery backup system for your sump pump. Just one more way we help keep Rochester basements running right.

As savvy DIYers, we totally get the urge to try fixing things yourself. There’s a certain pride in watching YouTube tutorials and then wrestling that stubborn appliance back into shape with your own hands. But when it comes to sump pump repairs, going the lone ranger route is seriously risking a flooded basement fiasco.

These hard-working machines are a lot more complex than they seem at first glance. Trying to troubleshoot and repair a sump pump system on your own is a great way to end up in a world of waterlogged problems. Here’s why it’s best to call in the professional Reimer repair team:

Electrical No-Go Zone

Unless you’re a certified electrician, the last thing you want is to go poking around in a sump pump’s electrical wiring. One wrong move and you could end up on the receiving end of a powerful shock – or worse, create further damage that knocks the whole system out of commission. Electrical work is best left to the pros.

Waterproof Wiring Woes

Many sump pumps use specialty waterproofed wiring designed to stay submerged without issues. Finding a suitable DIY replacement for that can be quite challenging! Trying to rig your own wiring is just asking for leaks and shorts to spring.

Stubborn Clogs and Stuck-Ons

Got a clogged discharge pipe that just won’t seem to clear, no matter how much you poke and prod? If you keep forcing it, you might just punch a hole right through that line. Sometimes brute strength isn’t the answer when dealing with stuck-on gunk.

Impeller Imbroglios

That internal impeller is the core mechanism using centrifugal force to expel water from the pump. But getting it repaired, replaced or rebalanced properly requires some serious expertise. One slight miscalibration and you’ll have a wobbling, leaking mess on your hands.

Air Lock Lockouts

Few things are more frustrating than an air lock preventing your sump pump from actually pumping any water, no matter how much it runs. Trying to purge those locks takes finesse and know-how that comes from experience.

Float Switch Fumbles

The pump’s float switch seems simple enough, but getting its activation levels properly calibrated is trickier than it looks. Fiddling too much risks leaving it stuck “on” and burning out the pump – or stuck “off” to let water rise unchecked.

Skipped Maintenance

Keeping sump pumps in peak condition involves way more than just pit cleanings. There’s a long list of preventative maintenance steps that only trained techs know to do, from testing to part inspections and recalibrations. Skipping those is a recipe for breakdowns.

The bottom line is sump pumps are simply too crucial a part of your home’s flooding defenses to risk a DIY disaster. While we admire the DIY spirit, some jobs just need to be handled by certified professionals from the get-go.