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Sump pump question

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Chsalas, Feb 26, 2018.

  1. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    So I thought our pump was going bad, Saturday it made some unusual noises like a coke can full of marbles being shaken, so I opened up the crawl space (i don't have a basement) and trekked on over to inspect. Looked ok, sump container was about 3/4 of the full but no other water than what was in the collection sump. I tapped on the float (I also turned off breaker to make sure I didn't get shocked) and took measurements so I can go get a new one. I came backup and flipped the breaker back on and all of a sudden it was back to normal. The sump ran for 30 seconds pumping out the water (I can hear it from the next to breaker panel) and it sounded normal again. It ran 5 or 10 more times for about an hour or so pumping a little water. after about an hour it stopped, since it wasn't raining anymore I assume it's empty or empty enough that it won't need to run until it fills a little more. So should I get a new one or let it keep on? It's 14 years old so how long do these things last. Thank in advance for any input. .
     
  2. Excelsior

    Excelsior Southern Walk||IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO||

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    From what I know about sump pumps, which isn't a ton, you don't get a lot of warning and they just go. Obviously a failed sump pump can lead to a bad situation. Also, lifespan of these things is ~ 10- 15 years. Might be time to replace it in advance of the failure.
     
  3. stoner

    stoner Active Member

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    Agree - 14 years is way overdue. For piece of mind get a new one professionally installed, and have a backup capability (batteries or a water heater-powered second pump).
     
  4. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    I think the sound of a canful of marbles being shaken would be a hint that it might be time to replace it!
     
  5. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the tip as well...Might as well replace the sump pump.....Ive replaced them before on my own in my prior home-
     
  6. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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  7. go1da

    go1da New Member

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  8. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    And from recent experiences, what are the price ranges that we should expect to see with professional installation?
     
  9. hikerbearz

    hikerbearz New Member

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    We have used Juan Carlos of JCTHI Plumbing 703-975-0855, on a few different occasions and he was very reliable and fair. I think we paid around $430 for the sump pump installation last year.
    He is a neighbor and does good work. This year we used him for a new hot water heater and as usual, he was great!
     
  10. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Did you go with just a standard hot water replacement? What about the new codes for hot water heaters, any issues?
     
  11. hikerbearz

    hikerbearz New Member

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    Yes, we went with a 60 gallon hot water heater (largest now allowed) and all new codes satisfied with no issues.
     

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