The moment people see that their sump pump is about to stop working, some assume they can replace it themselves. After all, how hard could it be? Especially with all the DIY tutorial videos on YouTube.
But replacing a sump pump is not nearly as easy as it looks online. There are many things that can go wrong…and if the pump is not installed correctly, you could be dealing with flooding in your basement.
Below, this sump pump replacement company in Northbrook, Illinois is going to explain why it’s always better to leave this job in the hands of a professional.
What do you have to do to replace a sump pump?
First, you’ll have to disconnect the old pump. Turn off the power and unhook the discharge pipe. You’ll then have to lift that old pump out of the pit. These things can be heavier than they look, so be careful.
Next, you have to get the right pump for your home. There are different types of sump pumps. Some are bigger, some have more horsepower, some handle more water flow, and some even come with battery backups. You need to make your decision carefully.
And then comes installation. The discharge line must be connected tightly to prevent any water from leaking back into your basement. The pump itself must be level and secure in the pit so that it does not move around when it is running.
Finally, run water into the pit to confirm that the system works perfectly. The float switch must trigger the pump at the correct water level, and the pump must shut off at the right time to prevent the motor from burning out. Skip this step, or do it halfheartedly, and you could have a pump that can fail at any time.
What happens if you don’t get it right?
Replacing a sump pump looks easy enough on paper. But in real life, even one small mistake can be huge.
The most obvious risk is flooding. For example, if the pump you install is too small for your house or not powerful enough for heavy rain, it could flood your basement. That kind of flooding can ruin carpets, walls, furniture, and anything stored in the basement.
There is also the danger of working around electricity. There are wires and a motor that is in the same pit where water collects. One bad connection or one exposed wire can put you at serious risk of injury. Of course, you could also accidentally damage the pump.
Many sump pump manufacturers will not honor their warranty if the pump was not installed by a licensed sump pump replacement company in Northbrook, Illinois. In that case, you would have to pay for a new pump out of your own bank account.
Signs to call a professional company
We are not saying that every single DIY project is guaranteed to be a disaster. A DIY sump pump replacement can work out fine in some cases. For example, if you are replacing an old pump with the same model and you have done some plumbing before, it might go smoothly.
But even then, things can go sideways fast with these jobs. The pump may not sit level in the pit, or the wiring may not be connected correctly. And soon, you are dealing with problems that a sump pump replacement company could have avoided from the start.
If you are doing anything more complicated (like upgrading to a stronger pump or adding a battery backup for emergencies), that is when you should consider hiring a professional sump pump replacement company in Northbrook, Illinois. The experience they bring to the table is something you can’t find in a YouTube tutorial video.
They can help you choose the right pump and install it to ensure it runs reliably for years. You also get warranties and advice on maintenance.
Looking for a sump pump replacement company in Northbrook, Illinois?
If you want to protect your home from water damage, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. As the leading sump pump replacement company in Northbrook, Illinois, we handle everything from inspection to installation. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to get started.
