Sump Pump Making Gurgling Noise: How to Fix It in Simple Steps

Is your sump pump making gurgling noise? Does it sound like a washing machine? If that’s the case, here is a guide on how you can fix it.

If you have a sump pump installed in your basement, you know how vital it is in dealing with flooding problems.

A normal sump pump will make some noises as water moves through the pipes. High-quality pumps make less noise. However, when your sump pump makes gurgling noises, you should have a cause for concern.

Sump Pump Noises and What They Mean

Gurgling noises

Gurgling is common in the plumbing world. However, it could be something entirely different when it comes to your sump pump.

The gurgle happens when water is moving through the pipes during discharge, especially when using a standard check valve.

It’s not a cause for concern, but if the sound is a cause of disturbances, consider replacing the valve with another type such as spring-loaded valve.

Clanging and Banging

Clanging and banging can be quite disturbing, especially in the middle of the night. These sounds are a result of the pipe slamming against the well wall.

There are different ways to deal with clanging and banging sounds:

• Use insulation around the pipe to reduce the noise
• Use rubber stoppers on the bottom of the pump lid
• Adjust the pump switch such that it stops running before the basin is empty. When the basin or sump pit is empty, the pump will make noises similar to the sound produced when sucking liquid through a straw,
• If the above tips don’t work, the chances are that the pump is installed incorrectly. You will need a professional to help fix the problem. (*)

Noisy Motor

Sump pumps constructed from plastic or PVC are louder than cast-iron pumps.  The newer models have self-lubricating motors and are quieter than traditional pumps.

If your motor is noisy and is an older version, it would be good to replace the whole system.

It’s important to go for a model that features a cast-iron design with the self-lubricating motor. The replacement unit should also have a covering or a fully insulated lid for noise reduction purposes.

If you’d like to replace the pump, here are some four quiet sump pump options you can choose from.

They all feature a cast iron design that’s proven to be quieter than PVC or plastic construction design. The pumps include:

• Superior Pump 91250, 1/4 HP
• Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Pump
• WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Sump Pump

Sump Pump Making Gurgling Noise Fixes

Before we begin, there are a few materials you will need to fix a noisy sump pump. Some of these materials include:

• Rubber grommets
• Plywood
• Foam insulation
• Rubber gaskets
• A spring-loaded check valves

The materials you will use will depend on the type of noise you’ll be dealing with. Let have a look at the ways to fix a noisy sump pump.

1. Sump Pump Motor Noise

The first important step to fixing a noisy motor is to cover it with foam insulation or using a lid. This hack applies to the old models that came with little or no insulation.

However, it’s important to note that modern versions feature a fully enclosed motor to help handle the noise problem.

Make sure you firmly affix the plywood to the floor surface all around the sump pump and use a rubber gasket to create a seal that will reduce floor vibrations.

2. Fixing clanging noises and vibrations

For this, you will need to investigate the discharge of the pump. As the water travels through the pipe, the pipe could vibrate against the surrounding walls or the parts of the pump basin.

To fix this problem, you will need foam insulation to prevent the pip from hitting against the wall.

Additionally, you should also insulate the joint where the pipe meets the floor. The vibrations, in this case, could when it gets in contact with the floor.

For effective noise reduction, it would be an excellent soundproofing pipe and the flooring both with foam insulation material or any other soundproofing materials.

Final Thoughts

We have seen that you need to replace your sump pump valve with a spring-loaded valve to prevent gurgling noises.

However, if you notice other noises coming from your sump pump, it’s essential to follow the hack provided above. Quieting a noisy sump pump doesn’t have to be hard.

What other methods have you implemented? Please do let us know below. 8 Easy Steps on How to Make an Air Compressor Quiet