Is your sump pump making some weird noises? Find out from expert plumbers what the noises mean and what you should do.
When your plumbing starts making noises, you know trouble may be brewing. Toilet gurgles—you may have slow or blocked drains. Faucet whistles—you may have an obstruction. But what about sump pumps?
They can make some disturbing noises, but it’s not something typical homeowners usually know off the top of their head. Let’s take a look at some unusual sump pump noises, and what you should watch out for if you hear them.
The Dreaded Gurgle
Gurgling is a common sound in the world of plumbing problems, but when it comes to your sump pump, it may mean something different than what you expect. The gurgle is often a result of water moving through the pipes during the discharge if you are using a standard check valve. It doesn’t mean there’s a real problem, but if the sound is disturbing your peace, you might consider a different type of valve, such as a spring-loaded valve that better manages the water flow.
Clanging and Banging
Yep, this can be disturbing, especially in the middle of the night! These sounds are typically a result of the pipe slamming against the well wall or sump pump basin as the water discharges. There are a couple of things you can do:
- Wrap insulation around the pipe to lessen the noise.
- Apply stoppers (oftentimes made of rubber) on the bottom of the sump pump lid.
- Last resort if the other two don’t work: consider that the pump may have been installed incorrectly and you may need to get professional help to reroute the piping so it isn’t banging against other components.
If you hear a noise coming from your sump pump and feel concerned, it’s always a good idea to contact a plumber you can trust. At Smoak’s Comfort Control, our experienced plumbers will find out what the issue is quickly and go to work to keep your sump pump from disturbing the peace.
Get in touch with us at 843-556-9550 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our expert plumbers.