A sump pump sounds like a garage door, right? Here’s What You Need to Do

When your sump pump turns on, you are not alone if you hear a sound like a garage door opening and closing. It’s a problem that a lot of homes have, and it’s a cause for alarm. While you certainly want your sump pump to work as it should and keep your basement dry, unusual noises, such as those made by a garage door, may indicate that something is wrong. We’ll investigate the possible causes of that noise and suggest some solutions for fixing your sump pump in this piece.

My sump pump sounds like a garage door. Why is that?

It is necessary to know how a sump pump operates in order to comprehend why yours may produce a sound like a garage door. Briefly, a sump pump is a device that is set up in the lowest area of a basement or crawlspace to remove standing water and stop flooding. The sump pump activates when water levels in the sump basin rise, and it expels the water through the building’s drainage system.

There are a few potential causes for the garage door-like noise your sump pump makes when it activates. Misaligned pump components are a common culprit. Constant vibration from the pump can eventually remove fasteners. This often produces a garage door-like rattling or pounding sound.

An impeller that has been damaged may also be to blame for the noise. The water is pumped out of the basin and into the discharge pipe by the sump pump’s impeller, a rotating element of the pump. When a pump is turned on, a loud knocking or clanging noise might be heard if the impeller is broken.

Your sump pump may sound like a garage door if the output pipe is clogged. Water flow is impeded when the pipe is choked with dirt or sediment. The water hammering its way through the pipe can be quite noisy.

Finally, the noise you hear may be a water hammer, which might sound like a garage door as it opens or closes. When water flow in the discharge pipe is suddenly stopped, pressure builds up and causes a loud pounding sound known as a water hammer.

How to Address a Sump Pump That Makes a Garage Door Sound

There are various actions you may take to fix your sump pump if it is sounding like a garage door. What you can do is:

Fasten Loose Parts: Start by looking for any loose pieces on the pump. Any loose screws, nuts, or bolts that may be the source of the noise should be tightened. To tighten the parts, you can use a wrench or pliers.

Repair or Replace a Broken Impeller: If the noise continues, the impeller might need to be repaired or replaced. Turn off the pump’s power before removing it from the sump basin. Look for any signs of wear or damage on the impeller. You’ll need to buy a replacement if it is damaged. If it is simply worn, you might be able to fix it by smoothing off any sharp edges.

Clean a Clogged Discharge Pipe: If the noise persists, look for blockages in the discharge pipe. If you spot any particles or sludge, clear it out by running water through the pipe or using a plumbing snake. You might need to call a plumber to help unclog the pipe if the obstruction is too difficult to remove.

Install a Water Hammer Arrestor: To stop a water hammer from making a noise, use a water hammer arrestor. A water hammer arrestor is a tool that softens the impact of water pressure and stops it from making a deafening hammering noise. You can mount it close to the pump on the discharge pipe.

Regular Upkeep to Avoid Recurrence of the Problem

There are routine maintenance procedures you can follow to keep your sump pump from ever again creating that garage door-like noise. You can take the following measures:

The components of the pump should be checked for looseness on a regular basis, and any slack should be tightened up as needed.

Every six months, you should clean out the sump basin and remove any debris or silt that has settled in there.

Discharge pipe inspections Be sure the discharge pipe is clean and unblocked.

Make a yearly appointment with a plumber to have them check out your sump pump and do any necessary maintenance.

FAQs

When a sump pump operates, why does it sound like a garage door is opening?

Reasons for a sump pump to sound like a garage door include a loose impeller, a broken check valve, or an airlock in the discharge pipe.

When operating, is it typical for a sump pump to generate noise?

It’s normal for a sump pump to make some noise, but if it’s making a lot of noise, there may be something wrong.

If my sump pump is not functioning properly, how can I tell?

In order to see if your sump pump works, you should fill the sump pit with water and watch as the pump drains the water. Proper operation can also be ensured through routine maintenance, such as checking the float switch and giving the pump a good cleaning.

Can a noisy sump pump be dangerous?

If your sump pump is making a lot of noise, it may be malfunctioning or soon will be, which can lead to flooding or water damage in your basement. If your sump pump is making an abnormal or excessive amount of noise, you should have it looked at as soon as possible.

Can I take care of a squeaky sump pump by myself?

Homeowners may make some minor repairs themselves with common household items and equipment, such as tightening loose parts or replacing a broken check valve. But, a professional plumber should be called in if you are unsure how to fix your sump pump or if the issue is more complex.

How frequently should I inspect my sump pump for noise and other issues?

At the very least once a year, and preferably before the onset of the rainy season or any other potential flooding events, you should inspect your sump pump. Problems with your sump pump can be avoided with routine maintenance.

Conclusion

A garage door-like noise coming from your sump pump is cause for immediate attention. Basement flooding is a real possibility if you ignore the situation. The best way to ensure your sump pump continues to do its job and your basement stays dry is to familiarize yourself with the most prevalent noise-causing factors and take the necessary actions to eliminate them. Keep up with routine maintenance to prevent the problem from occurring again, and don’t hesitate to call in the experts if you get stuck.