sump pumps for n00bs

[meltdown75]

hey, my sump pump is making a sucking noise. it sounds like it is draining it's drink at wendy's... sometimes it makes a loud banging noise too. it kicks on randomly...

i haven't been down to inspect it much yet. it's located where i chuck all of my big-purchase boxes.

my house was built in 2003.. i think it is one of the models where there are 2 pipes going in the top but i'm not sure.

so anyway... what's up with that?

i'll be back later to check for replies, i have a hockey game to watch...

i will post audio of the sound if necessary. with pics. thanks ATOT <3

 

[Vette73]

The sucking sound usually means it is sucking in air. The level may be out of adjustment. The other noise it probable the bearings going bad from running it without water. The water cools the motor as it works.

Turn it off now unless you want to destroy it. Then adjust float and try again.

 

[D1gger]

The sucking sound usually means it is sucking in air. The level may be out of adjustment. The other noise it probable the bearings going bad from running it without water. The water cools the motor as it works.

Turn it off now unless you want to destroy it. Then adjust float and try again.

You stole my answer sir.

 

[meltdown75]

The sucking sound usually means it is sucking in air. The level may be out of adjustment. The other noise it probable the bearings going bad from running it without water. The water cools the motor as it works.

Turn it off now unless you want to destroy it. Then adjust float and try again.

but... if i turn it off, doesn't my basement flood 0_o

 

[rcpratt]

Cavitation is a bitch.

 

[rcpratt]

The sucking sound usually means it is sucking in air. The level may be out of adjustment. The other noise it probable the bearings going bad from running it without water. The water cools the motor as it works.

Turn it off now unless you want to destroy it. Then adjust float and try again.

More likely the impeller would be damaged. But yes, turn it off.

I'd check it for debris. Otherwise, it might be air-locked, drilling a weep-hole would help.

 

[meltdown75]

so you guys promise if i turn it off i won't wake up to a flooded basement right... i mean... i know the ground is frozen and i'm assuming no water is coming in down there.... i'm just worried

i unplugged it and looked down into the hole with a flashlight. there's a tiny bit of water below the pump. guess i'll get that fixed up before spring. thanks all

 

[pyonir]

*waits for edited thread title: My basement is flooded! WTF do i do!?!*

 

[rcpratt]

Um, I wasn't exactly advocating leaving it turned off for months. The idea was to turn it off for a few days until you got it fixed.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I don't know what a sump pump is but I like how it sounds.

 

[Vette73]

Um, I wasn't exactly advocating leaving it turned off for months. The idea was to turn it off for a few days until you got it fixed.

Yep

Turn it off and ADJUST the float. Let the water level come back up, or just add water. And see if it turns off at the proper level. If it keeps running till there is a sucking sound re-adjust and add more water to test. Keep doing that till it turns off with a little more water level.

 

[Analog]

I don't know where in Ontario you are, but if your area is flat and has clay soil (like us here in Michigan), you need to get serious about fixing this. One wet basement will fix your attitude if you don't believe me.

I installed two sump pumps, one with a slightly higher float than the other which serves as a secondary which will take over if the primary fails. The secondary is also battery backed in case of a power outage. I occasionally check the secondary's operation to make sure it works okay. I would also recommend a high level alarm, these are available from harborfreight or others for less than $20.

These are small investments in comparison with soggy boxes and ruined carpet. Just my 2 cents.

 

[meltdown75]

Good info guys. Thanks.

I went down to investigate this morning before I left for work. I had it unplugged all night. There was about 8 to 12 inches of water in the hole. I plugged the pump in and it quickly sucked the water out. So I unplugged it again for today.

I will attempt to adjust the float tonight. I don't think it will be hard but the bolt looks pretty rusty. My buddy who had a flooded basement and sump pump problems last year just happens to be popping by so I will get his 2 cents on it too because he's an expert now.

There's really nothin in my basement but obviously I don't want a flood