Splashing Sounds From the Sump Pump

Identification

• A sump with a pump in it is one way to remove excess moisture automatically. Sump pumps are designed to activate once a certain water level is reached. These pumps are usually connected to the drain tiles in your home or under the basement. Sump pumps should be inspected regularly for debris that can clog the pump and cause it to become excessively noisy when running.

Types

• There are two types of sump pumps used in residential homes to remove moisture. A pedestal pump is not meant to get wet and is placed in the basement sump. This type of pump has the pump at the base and the motor sits on top of the pedestal. A submersible pump is also used in basement sumps to remove water. Unlike pedestal pumps, submersible pumps are meant to sit in water. When water reaches a certain level, a ball float activates the submersible pump. Either of these sump pumps are susceptible to splashing noises.

Causes

• If your sump pump begins making a splashing sound, it may be the result of water hammering, which occurs when the water stops flowing suddenly. Another common cause of splashing or slurping noises in sump pumps is the failure of the pump to turn off at the correct height. Sump pumps without check valves may become noisy from water flowing in and out of the pump excessively causing the pump to turn off and on more frequently than necessary. If splashing sounds are still a problem, inspect the off switch on your pump. Adjust it to turn off the pump before water flows into the intake area to reduce noise.

Solution

• Installing a check valve can reduce noise coming from your sump pump. These valves are also known as quiet check valves. Installing these valves keep water from flowing in and out of the pump and causing noise. Check valves are essential to extending the life of your sump pump, as it decreases wear and tear on your pump when water is not rushing in and out of the pump.