Well, you’d better catch it
Sump pumps detect and remove excess water to prevent flooding.
Float issues, clogs, or worn parts can lead to continuous sump pump running.
DIY fixes or new parts can often remedy constant sump pump running.
In some cases, the best fix is replacing the sump pump altogether.
Even if you’re an avid runner, you take breaks regularly, and the same could be said for your sump pump. It’s designed to detect and remove excess water and prevent flooding in your home, but constant running is a sign that something is off. Whether a part has malfunctioned or your sump pump is underpowered, continuous running can cause premature wear and reduce the life span of your unit. Learn about why your sump pump isn't working properly and what may cause your sump pump to overwork.
All sump pumps have a float, which is a lightweight sensor that’s designed to float upward with a rising water level. Once the sensor mechanism is activated at a set water level, it triggers the float switch to turn the pump on.
The float can sometimes get stuck, tangled in other cords, or pinned against the wall of the basin. This leads to getting jammed in place, which means it won’t be able to deactivate the pump once the water level goes down. When the float gets stuck, it usually presents as either your pump constantly running or cycling on and off in quick succession. If this issue persists, it can cause undue wear on the pump, and it may fail to activate altogether the next time your basement faces flooding.
To fix this issue, you may be able to simply detangle the float from debris or wires so that it can move properly again. You may also need to replace the float switch if the pump’s cycle is thrown off, but these can sometimes be so specific or costly that it may be more cost-effective to replace the sump pump altogether.
The water that your sump pump processes has to go through the discharge pipe to remove it from your home. Debris and sediment can sometimes clog the discharge pipe, trapping water and preventing the sump pump’s water from going down. If you live in a cold climate, water can also freeze in the discharge pipe.
In either case, these issues can overwork and damage your sump pump as it deals with a water level that won’t go down. In some cases, it may even overflow and lead to flooding. Take note of signs of a clogged pipe, such as unpleasant odors from your plumbing system, stains around drains, and gurgling sounds from sinks or tubs.
You may be able to use a plunger or drain snake to unclog the sump pump, but you shouldn’t use any liquid drain cleaners. If the discharge pipe is frozen, simply adding hot water to the line can be enough to slowly melt the blockage. If the blockage persists after these steps, a local sump pump repair person can help remedy the problem.
The check valve is a one-way valve that prevents backflow and flooding from the sump pump and allows water to be pushed outside your home. With wear and tear, the check valve may eventually fail or get moved out of place, causing the water level in the sump pump pit to rise and making the pump run more often or continuously. Besides overworking and potentially limiting the life span of the pump, this can also drive your energy costs up.
You can usually tell if your check valve is working by checking for leaks from connections, seals, and other components. Watch for water backwash in the sump pump basin during heavy rainfall or periodic testing, which involves partially filling the sump pump pit with water.
Replacing a check valve can be enough to get your pump working again, and it’s a fairly straightforward task. Install the replacement with ring clamps to hold it in place, making sure that the valve is positioned to push water out of the discharge pipe.
If your sump pump is undersized or underpowered in relation to the amount of water you have coming in, it won’t be able to discharge water at the same rate that it receives it. This means the sump pump works longer and harder than it’s designed to.
Keep in mind that a one-off event, such as a rainstorm uncharacteristic of your area, doesn’t necessarily mean that your sump pump is undersized. If a storm is the culprit, there may be other reasons your sump pump runs continuously after heavy rain. To check if your sump pump is appropriately sized, monitor the water levels during a moderately rainy day.
If your sump pump is struggling to handle everyday conditions or seasonally common weather, it might be time to replace it with a beefier unit. Even if you pay more up front for a new unit, it won’t overwork as much and should have a longer life span, which means you won’t have to pay for a replacement as often.
Some sump pumps feature an inlet screen that’s designed to filter out debris and prevent the motor from clogging. The inlet screen itself can get clogged, however, and water won’t be able to flow in and out of the pump. If the inlet screen becomes entirely clogged, the pump won’t work at all, and its motor will burn out faster.
To fix the issue, disconnect the sump pump’s power source, remove the sump pump from the pit, and carefully clean the inlet screen. Once you’re done, return the sump pump to the pit, reconnect it, and turn it on again.
An impeller is a motorized fan that helps cycle water through the sump pump and into the discharge pipe. If it isn’t working properly, you may hear constant vibrating, grinding, or other strange noises. You may also notice other abnormalities, such as low water flow, low water pressure, and slow-moving pump water.
The impeller may just need minor repairs, but worn down or broken blades point to replacing the part altogether. Making this repair requires you to remove the sump pump from the pit, but you can also ask a local plumbing professional to assist.
The cost to repair a sump pump ranges from $400 to $550, depending on the extent of the repair and your location. Minor repairs, like fixing a switch or replacing a float, can cost just a few hundred dollars. However, more significant issues, such as motor replacement or addressing electrical problems, may cost closer to $550. Keep in mind that regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, and if a sump pump is beyond repair, a full system replacement ranges between $650 and $1,400.
Sump pump repairs are typically handled by plumbers or waterproofing specialists who are experienced in handling basement and foundation-related issues. Plumbers can address issues like clogs, electrical problems, and mechanical failures, and waterproofing professionals may be ideal if the sump pump is part of a larger drainage or waterproofing system.
Some people may also call on a general handyperson for minor sump pump repairs. However, for complex problems, hiring a certified plumber or waterproofing expert ensures the work is done correctly and prevents further issues.
To maintain your sump pump, start by checking it every three to four months to ensure it’s in working order. Clear any debris from the pit because blockages can prevent the pump from operating efficiently. You should also test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If it turns on automatically and drains the water, it’s functioning correctly. Inspect the discharge line for clogs, and ensure it directs water away from your home. Once a year, clean the pump itself, and consider having it professionally serviced for optimal performance.
The life expectancy of a sump pump is seven to 10 years, though this depends on usage, maintenance, and quality. Pumps in areas with frequent flooding or high water tables may experience more wear and need replacement sooner, while those in drier climates might last longer. Regular maintenance can help extend its life span, and many replace their sump pump every eight years as a preventative measure.
