How To Stop Sump Pump Noises | Avert the Crisis

Sump pump noises are something you can’t dance to or have fun with. It bleeds your ear, ruins your peaceful sleep, and makes you scared of your basement. These peculiar sounds from the sump indicate numerous malfunctions; thus, you need to solve the issue rather than trying to avoid the noise. The most common problems for homeowners are detecting the types of noises from the sump pump and the factors that compose the noises.

Here is a quick cheat sheet to get you started.

Types of Sump Pump Noises: Solutions

· When Your Pump Makes a Clanging or Rattling Sound

This particular noise emits due to the heavy vibration of the water pipes. When the water is flowing along with the pump’s piping system, it makes a clanging sound that is hard to ignore. As the water moves through the pipes, it may cause the metal pipes to quiver under the weight and direction of the water. Therefore, it trembles against the side or edge of the pit or wall.

• If the pipes are above water level, wrap layers of insulation around the metal pipes to lessen the sound of rattling.
• Add rubber grommets or lines underneath the lid of the sump pump to diminish the clanging of the pipes and rattling of the motor.

· When Your Pump is Making Banging or ‘Thunk’ Sound

This banging sound may occur when something is hitting the pipes with a hammer. For instance, the loose pipe system causes the banging sound, whereas the opening and closing of the check valve on the sump pump make the ‘thunk’ sound.

• Simply secure the discharge piping system by using a 12-gauge wire to buckle the pipes in position.
• Once you locate the sound of the noise, you can firmly attach an extra bracket to floor joists with wood screws to cease this noise.
• When the water runs past the check valve, it opens and closes with the movement causing a ‘thunk’ sound. Hence, you can easily replace this valve with a silent valve that can be found in home improvement stores.

· When Your Sump Pump Motor Makes a Rumbling Sound

Along with the pipes, the pump motor can also vibrate violently when it is sitting for a long time without work, similar to that of a car engine. Usually, PVC or plastic pumps create more commotion than cast-iron submersible sump pumps. Commonly, this rambling sound comes from older pumps as newer versions of the sump pump come with self-lubricating motors. Often, it can also rattle against the wall of the pump pit to cause a vibrating sound.

• Try to install a rubber stopper in case the pump is rattling.
• Try lubricating the pump motor in case the motor is rambling.
• If none of the above solutions work, you might need to replace the sump pump altogether.

·When Your Sump Pump Makes an Electronic Beeping Sound

This is an indication from the sump pump or the battery backup system (if you have installed one) that it’s time to investigate your system.

• Either the pump is not turning on.
• Or it is not working as fast as usual.
• Or the battery backup is close to being out of charge.

Thus, you should first assess the situation and check the power source for the root of this noise.

· When Your Sump Pump Makes a Gurgling or Slurping Sound

Frequently, a gurgling sound comes from reversed water movement from the discharge pipe. After the pump cycles, the water flow backs down the pipe. Moreover, when the sump pit or the basin is empty, but the pump still runs, then there’s a slurping sound emitting from it.

• You can upgrade the check valve closer to the discharge line to a spring-loaded check valve as it permits the water to flow evenly through the plumbing system.
• Next, just simply adjust the pump’s switch or automatic turnoff level so that it stops before the sump pit is completely empty.
• You can also cover the basin with suitable foam insulation or a lid to keep the noise low. Besides, if you want to replace it, newer versions of the pump are already enclosed with a complete plastic cover.
• Remember, you can use a fitting piece of plywood to cover the basin in your older and exposed pump model. However, make sure to use a rubber gasket to fasten the plywood to the adjoining floor so that a seal is created and the noise is reduced.

· When Your Sump Pump Makes a Grinding Sound

Time and time again, this sound is traced to a malfunctioning impeller. It can seem disastrous, but the faulty impeller might just be jammed. There would be no need for a replacement if you detected the issue early.

• You can simply clear the jam to stop the sound.
• If needed, you can call an expert for a diagnosis and the necessary fix.

Culprits Behind the Noises

· Poor Sump Pump Design

Generally, your sump pump system should be constructed from cast iron and be self-lubricated to decrease friction during operation. Mostly, older models are not equipped with the above features. It is better to avoid using cheap plastic designs as the pump can certainly overheat, malfunction, and break down. In today’s market, there are a lot of quiet sump pumps available you can try them.

· Pump’s Location Within Sump Pit

If there was a wanted list for a sump pump noise, this would be at the top. An ideal sump pump is always positioned inside the sump pit in order to keep the noise at bay, or else the sound may echo all over your basement. Moreover, there’s a way to suppress the noise by effectively covering the sump pit with an airtight lid after the pump is installed.

· Inaccurate Discharge Pipe Lines

Often, the position of the pipelines can be the cause of the noise. Perhaps, there are too many 90 ° angles structured during the installation. This, in turn, impedes the functionality of the sump pump. Usually, the discharge line must be as straight as possible for the water to travel evenly. You can retrofit and make a straighter path for the water flow as 90-degree angles can cause a lot of noise when there’s water movement. If possible, it is highly recommended that you rather use two 45-degree angles.

· Vibrations of the Discharge Pipes

As mentioned above, the water flow in inaccurately positioned pipelines can make it vibrate and rattle against the sump’s lid and other fixtures. The only way to make sure these vibrations are absorbed so that there’s no more rattling noise: install rubber grommets in the space between the sump lip and the pipe.

Tips for Older Sump Pumps

• You can always contact your sump pump manufacturer to inquire about replacement parts so that you get accurate ones.

Time to Dust Off

Homeowners deal with many situations at home, be it be their lawn, basement, attics, and whatnot. This article is intended to take the load off so that you can easily manage the terrible noises coming out of your pump. Hopefully, you can abolish whoever disturbs you and your precious ears. Let’s minimize the noise pollution (at least from sump pumps)!