Why Choose Everest Drain & Plumbing for Sump Pump Check Valve Replacement

5 Warning Signs That Your Pump Check Valve Needs A Replacement

Let’s begin by discussing some key signs that your sump pump needs a replacement. Now, before we go into the signs, it is important to note that the efficiency of sump pumps degrades over time. The best way to extend this issue is to use the devices as instructed by the manufacturer and maintain them regularly. That said, despite your best efforts, sump pumps have an advantage in terms of their lifespan. When they reach their lifespan, you have no choice but to replace them. To know when you need to replace this device, you can look out for some warning signs. So, what are these warning signs? Some of the key warning signs include:

1. The Sump Pump Runs Constantly

Sump pumps are designed to only run when the water level in the basement reaches a certain level or during specific types of weather. That said, if your sump pump constantly disputes everything being normal on the surface, it signifies that there is something wrong with your device. When this occurs, your device can quickly overheat and damage even further, even leading to permanent failure. That said, you do have to note that constantly running sump pumps is a common problem, and there are many factors that can lead to this. Some of the key factors that can lead to a constantly running sump pump include:

• Improper sump pump size, which is too small or large for the basin
• When the float switch is stuck in the on position
• The check valve, a device that prevents water from flowing back down the pipe of the pit, fails.

If none of these factors comes into play and your sump pump is still constantly running, then it is a good sign that you might need to replace the device. That said, you can get a second opinion by calling in experts such as Everest Drain & Plumbing.

2. The Sump Pump Makes Unusual Noises

Besides the sump pump running constantly, you should also check the sound it makes. If your device makes a constant gurgling, clanging, or rattling noise, it might be an indicator that you might need to replace your sump pump. While it is normal for your device to make some sounds when it is pumping water, it should not be making noise when it is not doing so. Furthermore, you should also note that constant sound is often common on older sump pumps, especially the ones made from PVC or plastic. Some of the common factors to consider regarding the noise include:

• If the sump pump has an unusually loud motor, it is a good indicator that the device is nearing the end of its life.
• The sump pump can also make noise if the impeller is damaged.
• The noise can also occur if the device is improperly installed.

Do note that among these three factors, you can fix the damaged impeller and improper sump pump check valve installation without replacing the entire sump pump. However, if these two factors are all fine but still make constant noise, then it is a good sign that you need to replace your sump pump check valve.

3. Water Backflow into the Sump Pit

Another common sign that you might need to replace your sump pump check valve is if the water backflows into the sump pit. In fact, it is one of the clearest signs of the device needing repair or replacement. The reason for this is that a properly functioning valve keeps the water from moving out and prevents it from returning once the pump stops. If the check valve is damaged, it fails to close fully, which further allows the water from the discharge pipe to flow back into the pit. This can cause the sump pump to cycle more frequently, which leads to unnecessary wear and tear on the pump. Furthermore, this may also increase the risk of flooding if the device cannot keep up with the incoming water, especially during heavy rain or snow melt.

You can prevent this from occurring by regularly checking the backflow as it indicates whether or not the valve needs replacement.

4. Visible Wear, Leaks, or Corrosion Around the Valve

Alongside water backflow, visible wear, leaks, and corrosion around the check valve are other definite signs of it needing replacement. Unlike other aspects, this cannot be avoided since, as you use the device, it will eventually wear out. This is especially so if the sump pump check valve is exposed to high water pressure, debris, or corrosive materials. Cracks or breaks in the valve body can easily cause leaks, which further reduces the efficiency of the sump pump system and can potentially lead to water damage in your basement or crawl space. The leaks around the valve connections also indicate that it is not sealed properly. If the check valve is made of metal, corrosion is another common issue as it weakens the structure of the valve, making it more likely to fail.

To prevent this issue from unexpectedly interrupting your daily life, you should inspect the valves for visible signs of damage. Furthermore, you should also replace the valve before these signs expand and transform into serious issues.

5. Slow Pumping or Weak Water Flow

Last but not least, another key sign to note when you are determining if your sump pump needs replacing is if it pumps slowly or has weak water flow. Now, this can be caused by blockage or malfunction in the check valve. Regardless of the cause, slow pumping or weak water flow means that the sump pump has to work harder to remove the same amount of water, which further increases the risk of flooding during heavy rains or snow melt. Additionally, if the check valve isn’t functioning properly, it could create pressure imbalances in the system, which not only affects the pump’s performance but also puts stress on the plumbing. In extreme cases, this can lead to pump failure or even pipe damage. Replacing a failing check valve in this situation can restore the system’s efficiency and ensure that water is pumped out as quickly and effectively as possible.

These are just five of the key signs that signify that your sump pump check valve needs replacement. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there can be several other signs that you can look out for during your sump pump check valve replacement. Regardless, we hope you got the general gist of it all.

How to Replace Your Sump Pump Check Valve?

Now that you have a general idea regarding some of the signs to check for sump pump check valve replacement let’s take a closer look at how to replace the device. The process itself is a bit complicated, but the steps can be broken down into seven key steps. These key steps include:

1. Turn Off The Power

The first step in replacing the sump pump check valve is turning off the power from the entire device. To avoid electrical hazards, you should unplug the power from its source and ensure that it doesn’t turn on when you are working.

2. Prepare Your Tools And Materials

After turning off the power, you should gather the necessary tools, such as:

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• hacksaw
• Pliers
• A new check valve
• New hose clamps
• Couplings
• PVC cement
• Primer

3. Locate And Drain The Discharge Pipes

Once you gather the materials, the next step is locating and draining the discharge pipes. You should find the check valve on the vertical section of the discharge pipe near the sump pump. Place the bucket or towels under the device to catch the water trapped in the pipe before removing the valve. Then, you should disconnect the pump from the pope and let the water drain out.

4. Remove The Old Check Valve

After locating and draining the discharge pipes, your next step is removing the old check valve. For this, you should loosen the hose clamps on either side of the check valve using a screwdriver or a wrench. You can also use a hacksaw to cut the discharge pipe above and below if the valve is glued. Do note that you should leave enough pipe for the new sump pump check valve installation while removing the old check valve.

5. Prepare The Pipe Ends

The next step after removing the old check valve is to prepare the pipe ends for installing new ones. To do this, you should clean and smooth the ends of the discharge pipes from which the old valve was removed.

6. Install New Sump Pump Check Valve

After preparing the whole thing, the next step is to install a new sump pump check valve. Before installing the new device, you should ensure that the arrow on the check valve is pointing in the direction of water flow away from the pump. Then, you should attach the new check valve to the discharge pipe and use the hose clamps to strengthen it. If you are using glue, you should hold the pipe and valve together for 30 seconds to form a solid connection.

7. Test The Pump System

Now that you have installed the new sump pump check valve, the last thing you need to do is plug the pump back in and test it by pouring the water into the sump pit, where the action should trigger the pumps. While doing this, it is also a good idea to watch for leaks and listen for unusual sounds.

These are the general steps for installing the new sump pump check valve. While the actual process is a bit more complicated, these steps do summarize the overall process.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Sump Pump Check Valves?

After discussing the signs that signify that you need to replace the sump pump check valve and the process of doing it, let’s discuss the price. This is a bit complicated since it is nearly impossible to determine the specific price you have to pay.It depends on the company and whether or not you need other services to supplement the sump pump check valve replacement. We can give you a rough estimate of how much a sump pump check valve replacement costs.

The average cost to replace a check valve for a sump pump is in the range of 100-200 CAD, depending on parts and labor combined. Note that the valve itself is relatively less expensive, costing only around 20 CAD, and the majority of the cost is based on the complexity of the installation. The process of replacement requires high specialization and deep knowledge of the machine. Furthermore, it may also require additional parts, such as the pipes, which adds to the cost.

Why Choose Everest Drain & Plumbing for Sump Pump Check Valve Replacement?

The process of sump pump check valve installation is a bit complicated. Therefore, should you ever need to replace one, you should seek aid from experts. The good news here is that you have many options to choose from. But amongst them, one of the best choices for you is Everest Drain & Plumbing. Now, why Everest Drain & Plumbing, and not any other? Among the many reasons, these are a few:

• Experienced Plumbers: Composed of highly competent plumbers in Toronto, we can deal with all types of problems of plumbing, including the replacement of sump pump check valves
• 24/7 Emergency Services: We operate at any time and are prepared to help you in any plumbing urgency that may arise with quick and timely responses.
• The services include, among others, the installation, repair, and maintenance of sump pumps. The company is also characterized by advanced equipment and technology in the line of plumbing, enabling them to solve any problem but very fast. Our technical staff has always aimed at great customer service and support, ensuring that the clients are satisfied with their work.
• Clear Pricing: We price our services in a very transparent manner, without including any surreptitious charges, so clients can plan more suitably for their needs in sump pump service.
• Compliance and Safety: Our plumbers know the code and plumbing regulations in this locality to ensure projects follow code compliance and safety concerns.
• Trustworthy and Reliable: Positive reviews earned from customers whom we have provided satisfaction to have emerged through Toronto to denote our name among the reliable and trustworthy ones.

Conclusion

Sump pumps are an indispensable device in any home that has a basement. The device keeps the water from overflowing into the basement, keeping the home dry during heavy rain and snow melt. That said, the sump pump is not a single unit of a device but is rather made of many parts. One such important part is the sump pump check valve. This part, when damaged, sometimes could easily render the whole device itself useless. The good news here is that there are various signs you can look out for and various steps you can take to replace this part of the sump pump.

In this blog, we discussed five signs that your sump pump valve needs replacing. Along with this, we also discussed some of the key steps to replace this valve. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of plumbing, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best sump pump check valve replacement services in Toronto, look no further than Everest Drain & Plumbing. Thank you for reading till the end.

FAQs on Sump Pump Check Valve

1. How do you know if your sump pump check valve is bad?

Some of the major signs that mean your sump pump check valve has gone bad include:

• Unusual Noises
• Water backflow to the sump pit
• Corrosion or visible water leaks around the valve
• Slow pulping or weak water flow
• Constant running of a sump pump

2. Why do you need a check valve for a sump pump?

A check valve is essential for a sump pump because the water must not be allowed to flow back into the sump basin once it has already been pumped out. Such valves contribute towards enabling the pump to create efficient functioning conditions. This helps avoid flooding in basements and crawl spaces.

3. When should I check my sump pump?

It’s a good idea to have your sump pump checked at least every season, and best of all before a heavy rainfall or spring thaw. Regular checkups will give you an opportunity to notice any potential problem and make the needed adjustments so that the pump works as it should.

4. What are the symptoms of a bad check valve?

The following are some of the symptoms of a damaged check valve:

• Strange noises
• Water back into the sump pit
• Visible water leakage or corrosion at/around the valve
• Prolonged pulping or not enough flow of water
• Constant running of the sump pump

5. What happens to a sump pump without a check valve?

If there is a check valve, the water can return into the sump pit if it gets pumped out, and the pump would simply run forever. Consequently, the pump may get worn out quicker than what is expected, and this may lead to flooding of the area.

6. What is the average life of a sump pump?

The average life of a sump pump might be anywhere between 5 to 10 years, depending upon how well it is utilized and taken care of. Its life span may be increased by frequent checks and prompt repairs of it.

7. How do you manually test a sump pump?

To test a sump pump manually, all that is required is filling the sump pit with water until its turning on via its float switch. The pump should now turn on and pump out the water with efficiency. If it fails to do so or does not remove water efficiently, it may need a repair ​.

8. How to Replace Your Sump Pump?

Replacing a sump pump involves a few steps, as follows:

• Disconnect power and discharge lines
• Pull the old pump out of the sump basin.
• Install the new pump making sure that it is positioned with security and also attached properly to the discharge pipe.
• Restore the power and check for proper operation​

9. How much does it cost to replace a sump pump?

Normally, the cost in replacing a sump pump in Canada is from 300 to 700 CAD depending on the type of the pump, the labor costs and other repairs that may be needed.