How To Quiet A Sump Pump | 5 Ways To Fix It

Don’t you get annoyed when your sump pump sounds like a washing machine? When you are prone to frequent flooding, having a sump pump in your basement becomes a necessity. But sometimes it can be more of a menace than help, especially when it comes to wrecking your brain with disturbing noises.

So, to ease your troubles, you need to:

• Look for the source of the sound
• Identify the type
• Apply the given solution according to the type of the problem
• Or jump past all the steps and just get the quietest sump pumps

In order to have a better understanding of how to quiet a sump pump, here are a few remedies that you can apply based on the factors causing the dilemma.

How to Fix a Loud Sump Pump

To get your sump pump to finally quiet down, here are a few steps you can follow. But, before that, you need to gather a few items first:

• Spring-loaded check valve
• Rubber gasket
• Rubber grommets
• Plywood
• Foam insulation

 Step 1 – Determine the source of the problem

Your sump pump can produce a wide range of sounds when it is running. And, each sound is distinctive to the type of issue that is causing it to act that way. So, what you need to do is- first identify the particular type of sump pump noise it is making. Follow the sound and try to locate the source. This will make it much easier for you to solve the given situation.

• If you hear loud vibrations or clanging sound coming out of the sump pit, then it must be the water flowing out through the drainage pipe.
• The opening and closing of your check valve can cause a banging sound.
• In the case of a thumping or a knocking sound, check if it is coming from the center of the sump pit. It could be the flexing of the discharge pipe while coming in contact with the pump lid or the pit sides or against the foundation of the house.
• If it is an echoing sound, then it may be the float switch turning on and off during the cycles.

Step 2 – Conceal the pit

Covering the sump basin with a well-insulated removable lid can reduce the sound coming out of it and prevent any external debris from getting in. Also, it is a safety measure that you should take, especially if you have children or pets in the house.

If you are using a pedestal sump pump, sealing the pit can stop it from wandering and rattling. You can further tighten the cover by using rubber grommets around the cable holes and the pipes. This will prevent the thumping or knocking sounds during the cycles.

Step 3 – Fasten the discharge line

Metal pipes tend to vibrate a lot when the pump is running. The same goes for the plastic pipes, they also vibrate and flex along with the movement of water. So, it is necessary to properly fasten the pipes to the walls. This will reduce the vibrations. Also, you can use foam insulations in the areas where they are in contact with the foundation. There are also other measures that you can take such as shortening the length of the pipe and using 45-degree angles instead of 90-degree angles.

Step 4 – Replace the check valve

If you are using a one-way check valve, chances are, it will create a huge banging sound because of the back pressure created by the pump while shutting down. This can be startling at times.

Also, sometimes the valve can make a gurgling or a whistling sound if it doesn’t close properly. This can happen if there is debris stuck to the valve or if it is damaged. Replace the check valve with a spring-loaded check valve. It will silence any unwanted noise during operation.

Step 5 – Readjust the float switch

Resetting the on and off-cycle will reduce the activation frequency of the float switch. So, there will be fewer echoing sounds in the pit.

• For a vertical float switch, you can readjust the screw that is attached to the post to a new height. The nut or screw regulates the signal to turn on and off the pump. So, moving it to a higher level will decrease the pump cycles.
• For a tethered switch, the float is attached to a cord. It is usually filled with mercury or, sometimes with a steel ball that triggers the switch. When the float is in a vertical upright position, the switch activates the pump and when it is in a downward position, the pump shuts down. So, making changes to the length of the cord will readjust the relay signals to the sump pump.
• For a diaphragm switch, the power cord piggybacks on the pressure switch plug. As the water fills the diaphragm, it creates pressure that causes the switch to turn on the pump. Here, you can move the pressure switch to a more suitable position. You can find it mounted onto the pump housing.

When you are reconfiguring the float switch, make sure that you are placing it at a height where the pump runs for a longer period of time. But if the pump does not dry, this will cause it to burn out.

Also, if your pump float switch is not performing well you can replace your float switch for better output.

Step 6 – Quieter pump

Sump pumps with larger horsepower are much louder than the smaller ones. So, if it fits into your budget, you can opt for a high-quality pump that is more silent. For example, a self-lubricating submersible sump pump is much quieter than a pedestal pump. Since it is placed inside the sump pit, it does not clutter up your basement. And, the water in the pit deafens the sound that it may make while pumping.

Why Is My Sump Pump So Loud?

Open Sump Pit: A sump pump is probably one of the noisiest devices you can have in your home. When the pump is functioning, a large variety of sounds can come out of the pit. Properly insulating the sump pit with an air-tight lid can reduce the volume of sound to a large extent.

How Do I Quiet My Sump Pump Check Valve?

When water flows unevenly through the discharge pipe, it can make large gurgling sounds. To address this issue, you can

• Use a spring valve- It controls the flow of water and steadies its rate of discharge. Also, it closes before the pit becomes empty and prevents the backflow of water into the sump basin.
• Tune the pump switch- fine-tuning your pump allows it to shut down before pumping all the water out. Otherwise, it creates a siphon and there will be multiple air pockets in the discharge pipe, thus creating the gurgling sound. Sometimes, there can be some humming sound coming out of the pit. This can be the result of improper installation of the check valve.
• Irrespective of the model, every check valve comes within an indicator. Make sure that it is facing towards the ‘Discharge’ sign and not the ‘Pump’ when you are installing it.

Final Words

So, whether your sump pump makes loud banging noise or an irritable rumbling sound, there is always a solution to your problem. All you have to do is first pinpoint the source of the sound and then identify the type of noise. After this, methodically apply the given tips and tricks. If the noise is excessive, then it may be an indication that you need a new sump pump. Or, if the repairs are beyond your expertise, then you can always call a professional who can handle the situation better. We hope this article comes in handy for you. Thank you!