The 4 Most Common Sewer Pump Noises and How to Stop Them
Sewer pumps help you move dangerous waste to your disposal system without spreading the bacteria and viruses around. These pumps are built to handle both solid and liquid waste with minimal maintenance, but eventually years of use adds up to put wear and tear on the equipment. Fix these noisy problems quickly to restore peace and quiet to your home.
Thumping at the End of a Pumping Cycle
Is a loud bump or thump waking you up at night as the sewage pump completes a cycle due to a family member flushing? This banging, popping, or bumping noise is usually caused by the check valve that stops sewage from flushing back into the pipes. Even working valves can make this noise, but a repair technician can quickly swap out your current model for a silent replacement that closes softly to prevent that loud noise from vibrating back up the pipes.
Slurping and Gurgling Regularly
An occasional quiet gurgle is normal from a sewage pump since it's moving a lot of waste and water each time it operates. However, constant or loud slurping is not normal and merits a checkup. These noises are caused by wear and tear, including worn out check valves failing to keep water from backing up into the drain pipes and clogs in the lines leading to or from the pump.
You may just need to reset the pump levels to leave a little more water in the reservoir or swap out your valves to enjoy quieter operation. If there's a clog in the pipes, you'll need a plumber to come clear them and may need different equipment to manage the waste you're flushing.
Whirring or Tapping Intermittently
Light tapping and whirring noises are normal when the sewer pump connects to metal pipes strapped against wood floor joists and wall studs. These wood structural elements amplify the vibrations of a properly running pump, sometimes creating a rhythmic bumping or thumping noise, too. You can tuck foam pipe insulation around the drains leading to the pump to quiet the noise or swap out metal pipe straps for padded versions.
Grinding and Growling Constantly
If you're in the basement and hear a loud grinding noise from your sewer pump every time it runs, prepare to replace the unit. While many models perform for decades with only basic maintenance, eventually every piece of equipment gives out. Get the pump replaced when you first hear these serious noises so that a broken impeller or seized motor doesn't impair your use of the home's bathrooms. Contact a representative from a company like Forrest Sewer Pump Service to set up an appointment.