What a Constantly Running Pump Could Cost You: A Home Inspector’s Warning in Canton, Cumming, Alpharetta & Woodstock
That Little Humming Sound Isn’t Harmless. It’s a Warning.
Imagine walking into your finished basement in Alpharetta. Everything seems fine—the air is cool, the floors are clean—but there's that faint, steady hum. Most folks wouldn’t think twice.
But as a home inspector serving Canton, Cumming, Alpharetta, and Woodstock, I’ve seen what that sound really means.
I was inspecting a home in Cherokee County recently when I noticed a condensate pump on the HVAC unit that wouldn't shut off. That tiny pump, quietly running in the background, was actually failing—and flooding water beneath the floor.
Left alone, this could’ve cost the homeowner thousands in damage from wood rot, mold, and ruined finishes.
What Is a Condensate Pump—and Why Should You Care?
Your HVAC system produces water as it cools your home. That water needs to go somewhere—and that’s where the condensate pump comes in. Its job is to send water safely outside.
But when it fails?
Water seeps into walls and floors
Mold starts to grow
Your home's value plummets
This is a common issue I find during home inspections, even in brand-new homes throughout Woodstock and Cumming.
👉 Want to learn more about what else we find in new builds? Check out our blog:
Why Even New Homes Need a Home Inspection
Real Damage, Real Fast
In the inspection I mentioned earlier, the faulty pump was:
Short cycling the HVAC system
Causing standing water in a finished basement
Increasing humidity levels that could lead to mold
According to the National Association of Home Builders, nearly 98% of basements will experience water damage at some point. That’s almost every home.
And here in Georgia—with an average of 50 inches of rain a year—moisture is the enemy.
Signs Your Pump May Be Failing
If you live in Canton, Alpharetta, Woodstock, or Cumming, look out for:
A humming noise that never stops
Pooled water near HVAC equipment
Musty smells in the basement
Visible rust or staining on the unit
Your air conditioner turning on/off too fast
What I Look for During Your Inspection
Unlike a contractor, I don’t just swap the pump and leave. I go deeper.
As your certified home inspector in Cumming or Alpharetta, I:
Open the HVAC cabinet
Test the float switch
Follow the drain lines
Use moisture meters on nearby materials
It’s not about just fixing what’s broken—it’s about understanding why it failed in the first place.
Why Home Inspections MAtter
I’ve done over 5,000 home inspections since 2006. You’d be surprised how many issues I find in homes that are less than 5 years old:
Electrical panels miswired
Ductwork left disconnected
Plumbing that drains backward
…and yes, pumps that never stop running
City inspections only look for code compliance. My inspections are built to protect your investment and your family.
How $150 Turns into $15,000
Let’s say your condensate pump fails. You delay the repair. Moisture builds.
You’re now looking at:
$1,500 to remove mold
$5,000+ to replace flooring
$3,000 for new drywall
$6,000 in HVAC repairs
I’ve seen it happen. And all of it could’ve been avoided with a $350 home inspection.
Local Homeowners: This is Especially for YOU
If your home is in:
Canton (especially near riverfront basements)
Alpharetta (in older neighborhoods with original HVACs)
Woodstock (where basements are often finished)
Cumming (where humidity and storm runoff are frequent)
...then you’re at higher risk for this exact type of moisture issue.
Watch Our Youtube Shorts: Real Issues in Real Homes
I post quick videos on these kinds of hidden issues all the time.
▶️ Check them out here: YouTube.com/@HomeInspectorAtlantaGA
You’ll see behind-the-scenes footage of home inspections, from stuck pumps to overloaded breaker panels.
Follow along on:
Protect Your Home Today—Before That Pump Costs You Big
I’m David Lelak, owner and certified home inspector at IHI Home Inspections. I walk every roof (yes, 99% of them), crawl into every attic, and inspect every component as if my own family were buying the home.
If you're in Canton, Cumming, Alpharetta, or Woodstock, and you hear a strange hum in the basement—or just want peace of mind—schedule a professional home inspection today.
📞 Call 404-788-2581
💻 Or schedule online: HomeInspectionCantonGA.com
