5 Sump Pump Noises & What They Mean

5 Common Sump Pump Sounds

Here are the top five sump pump noise questions we receive and some DIY sump pump repair tips you can try:

1. What Does It Mean When My Sump Pump Is Humming?

Low humming noises from a sump pump are often completely normal. However, if the pump begins humming louder than usual and/or is not pumping water, it’s time to investigate. First, check the vent hole for a clog and clear it if needed. If this doesn’t help, you may have a stuck check valve. Look to see that it’s pointed to “Discharge.”

If the weather is cold enough, you should also check for frozen discharge pipes, which you could (carefully) warm with a space heater to melt any ice inside. If that doesn’t work, the culprit may be a damaged impeller, the fan-like part responsible for sucking up water into the pump.

The impeller may need internal cleaning, but at this point, we recommend calling John Nugent & Sons for sump pump services. We’ll check for damaged or broken impeller blades. We can also add a filter or change a clogged filter if needed. This can help prevent future jams and make your pump reliable again.

Let our experts stop the annoying hum from your sump pump. Contact John Nugent & Sons in McLean, VA, today.

2. My Sump Pump Is Grinding — Is That a Bad Thing?

A grinding sump pump needs attention right away from the local plumbing professionals at John Nugent & Sons. The cause is often a faulty impeller. This may seem disastrous, but the impeller could simply be jammed.

Impeller replacement may not be needed if we catch the problem early. We can quickly diagnose the issue and clear the jam or recommend the necessary fix to keep your basement dry and comfortable.

Hearing a grinding noise coming from your sump pump? Contact John Nugent & Sons in McLean today.

3. When My Sump Pump Is Banging, What Should I Do?

When your hard-working sump pump develops a banging sound, you may simply need to secure the discharge piping. You could try using wire (12-gauge is ideal) to fasten pipes in place. If you can isolate a specific area of the pipes where the noise is coming from, an extra bracket placed there may resolve the issue.

Pipe brackets should be firmly attached (typically to floor joists) using wood screws. Our team can handle this repair for you and check the pump for proper operation, making sure there are no internal problems with the equipment. Annual professional sump pump testing and maintenance can keep your pump reliable and in great condition.

End the stress of a banging sump pump. Contact John Nugent & Sons today.

4. How Can I Stop My Sump Pump From Making Gurgling or Slurping Sounds?

When you have a gurgling sump pump, you might try replacing the check valve near the discharge line with a spring-loaded, silent model. Next, you could adjust the automatic turnoff level in your pump’s basin.

At any point in this process, we’re ready to help with expert sump pump services. If you don’t already have one, we may recommend a battery backup for your sump pump for complete peace of mind.

Turn your sump pump repair over to our experienced team. Contact John Nugent & Sons online or call us today.

5. What Can I Do About a Clanging Sump Pump?

Sump pump clanging can be caused by heavy vibration. You might consider wrapping the piping with insulation to dampen the sound. You could also silence a banging, clanging sump pump lid by adding rubber grommets underneath.

Sometimes, the only way to silence the pump is to correct the discharge pipe position. During installation, your earlier plumber may have used too many 90-degree angles, impeding the function of the sump pump. We can retrofit and create a straighter path for the water to flow. Then, your pump should be quieter and run better overall.

We’re ready to resolve your sump pump problems and eliminate any annoying, nerve-wracking noises. Contact John Nugent & Sons today.

Where To Find a Sump Pump Expert in McLean, VA

In business for over 45 years, locally and completely dedicated to customer satisfaction, our company is uniquely qualified to resolve your sump pump problems. At John Nugent & Sons, our friendly plumbers explain any needed sump pump repair in plain language.

We also discuss with you any options to restore your sump pump to proper working order — and get it done ASAP. Our company is family-owned, and we take pride in resolving your plumbing problems quickly and completely.

Get ready for the next big storm with a reliable, well-maintained sump pump. Contact John Nugent & Sons for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in McLean, VA.