Here’s Why Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working—And What To Do About It
Keep your pump problems at bay
Highlights
Most sump pumps last between seven to 10 years.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensure maximum efficiency.
Common reasons for failure include clogs and taking in too much water.
Bring in the pros if you don’t know what's wrong with your pump.
A good sump pump is invaluable to protect your home from basement floods. But, what should you do if your trusty pump isn’t working? Well, there could be several reasons why your pump may be failing you. We’re outlining the most common sump-pump problems and how to remedy them below.
What Does a Sump Pump Do?
A sump pump is typically installed below your basement floor and protects your home from flooding. This handy device detects rising water levels and pumps it from your basement to the outside of your home.
A switch on the sump pump detects when water levels are too high, triggering it to begin removing water through a discharge line. The line connects to a designated drainage area that directs it away from the foundation of your home to prevent damage.
7 Causes of Sump Pump Problems
If your sump pump has stopped working, don’t panic. There are a number of things that could be wrong, but many can be easily fixed. Use the following list to determine what’s causing your sump pump to stop working and how to fix it.
1. Power Failure
One of the most common reasons that sump pumps fail is an electrical power outage. In this case, it’s important to have a sump pump backup system installed. Then, if you ever lose power because of a storm, you can manually turn the backup on to prevent flooding.
Backups come in several options, including:
A battery backup
A water-powered backup
A portable backup generator
If the power goes out in your home, these backups will power the sump pump to ensure that your home is still protected from floods.
2. Incorrect Installation
If your sump pump is constantly running, there are three possible causes:
It was installed incorrectly
The pump is too big
The pump is too small
For each of these reasons, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a sump pump repair professional to get your pump reinstalled or calculate the right size pump for your home. Your pro will weigh your capacity needs against horsepower to determine your next pump size.
3. Too Much Water
It’s easy to overwork your sump pump in the event of flooding. If your pump is overflowing, try the following before calling a technician:
Restart the motor
Pull the pump’s plug and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging it back in
Inspect the discharge line and overflow valve for clogs
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help drain the pit, you may have a faulty valve (the part that opens and closes to let water out of the pump). You should call in a professional to locate and check the valve to determine if a replacement is necessary. Diagnosing a faulty valve is pretty tricky, so it’s best to leave this one to the pros.
4. Lack of Maintenance
As with any other system or major appliance in your home, regular sump pump maintenance helps your pump stay at maximum safety and efficiency. Performing maintenance once every quarter of a year helps you stay on top of any potential repairs.
To easily maintain your pump:
Clear the sump basin of debris
Remove and clean the pump
Make sure the discharge pipe isn’t clogged
5. Stuck Sensor
If your pump isn’t turning on, it could be because of a faulty or stuck float sensor, which is the part that triggers your pump to turn on and off when the water level in the pit reaches a certain point. This is a fairly common mechanical issue that happens when debris jams the float or the pump shifts inside the basin (which causes the float that operates the sensor to become ineffective).
Luckily, this is an easy fix—simply adjusting and cleaning your pump usually does the trick. Keep in mind that float sensors only last about five to seven years, so a replacement may be in order if it's ineffective.
6. Clogs
Like many home systems, sump pumps can fall victim to debris like rocks, mud, and sticks. Be sure to check your sump pit for potential clogs every few months or after a heavy rainstorm. Ensuring your sump pump has a lid is your most effective defense against clogs, as lidless sump pumps will back up more often.
7. End of Lifespan
Most sump pumps generally last between seven to 10 years. If you’re experiencing sump pump failure and your pump is over 10 years old, you may be beyond basic troubleshooting methods. Some sump pumps can last longer than this, but it’s recommended that you replace your pump after 10 years to be safe.
When It’s Time To Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the sump pump troubleshooting techniques listed above and your pump still isn’t working properly, it’s time to bring in the pros. Hire a sump pump contractor near you to ensure that your basement (and your home) stays protected.
Knowing how much a sump pump replacement costs helps you stay prepared for future bills. On average, sump pump repairs will cost $500. But if your pro deems replacement a better option, it’ll cost $645 to $2,095 to get a new sump pump installed.