Why is my sump pump constantly running?
What to do:
- Unplug the sump pump. Most sump pumps are plugged into a nearby outlet. ...
- Clear the sump pit. Obstacles such as rocks or dirt can prevent the switch from lowering.
- Make sure the float moves up and down freely. ...
- Move the sump pump to the center of the pit. ...
- Plug the sump pump back in to see if it still runs constantly. ...
Why do sump pumps run constantly after a heavy rain?
Why Sump Pumps Run Constantly After a Heavy Rain
- Sump Pump Description. A sump pump is a pump that has a floating switch activation system located in a sump pit, which is essentially a hole in your basement floor.
- Conditions for Sump Pumps. A heavy rainfall means that a large amount of water has been poured onto the ground. ...
- Removal of Water. ...
- Abnormal Running Conditions. ...
- Considerations With Sump Pumps. ...
How to stop a sump pump that keeps running?
See how:
- Open the crankcase pump.
- Check the float switch. ...
- Buy a new float switch for the sump pump. ...
- Disconnect and remove the old sump pump group key.
- Connect a new sump pump switch.
- Attach the float switch to a stationary object, such as the sump pump itself, to float switch floats up and down with the water level. ...
Should a sump pump run constantly?
A sump pump should run continuously if it is connected to a water source. But if you live in a dry climate or don’t have a basement, then the pump may not be needed. For example, the average house with a basement has a sump pump installed to collect any water that gets pumped out of the house.
How often should sump pump run?
Assuming your sump pump is in good normal operating condition, it should only run when the water level activates that float switch. Depending on your location, it's not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day.
Is it OK for a sump pump to run constantly?
Sump pumps should not be running constantly and if they are then it is more than likely that there is a problem. If water starts to enter your basement, then this is when the sump pump kicks into life and starts the process or removing water from the basement.
Is it normal for sump pump to run every 10 minutes?
It is not normal for a sump pump to run constantly. If your sump pump runs every minute and you are not experiencing a large increase in the water table in your area, then this points to something being wrong with your pump.
Why does sump pump run when it's not raining?
The most common reason for your sump pumps keeps running while it is not raining is an increase in groundwater. Groundwater can come from many sources like nearby rivers or lakes, a broken pipe or nearby construction.
Why is my sump pump not turning off?
Other Reasons Your Sump Pump Won't Turn Off The sump pump check valve could be defective. Your sump pump could be too small, or the pit could be too large. There could also be a sewer leak under your house, or your sump pump could be poorly located in a location just below the water table.
Why is my sump pump going off every 30 seconds?
The usual cause is the power cord has become tangled in the float switch's path, preventing it from operating normally. More often, the cord blocks the float switch from ever turning on at all, effectively sidelining your sump pump and allowing your basement to flood. Check the power cord by tracing its path.
Why do I hear water running in my sump pump?
Sump pumps sometimes make this sound if the pre-set-shut-off off height has not been set correctly. Ideally, the pump is meant to turn off before the water moves to the pump's intake point. The sound is like that of someone sucking liquid through a straw, and it commonly happens when the pump dries.
What is a submersible sump pump?
Submersible sump pump. A submersible pump operates underwater using a float switch. They are common in the household and work, as mentioned above, in cycles. Due to the power they can garner, submersible pumps are better for houses that are more susceptible to flooding.
How long does a sump pump last?
In fact, sump pumps average lifespan is about 10 years. As we’ve already mentioned, if your sump pump is running flat out then you’re probably facing a broken pump but equally, your pump should work frequently. These pumps can be used every day averaging about 6 hours pumping for up to ten years.
What is a sump pump made of?
The most common sump pumps people have in their basements are submersible ones. These pumps tend to be made from cast iron and are highly resistant to rust or cosmetic damage. This means it is usually a malfunction in the motor or switches which causes these solid numbers to break.
What is a float switch in a sump pump?
Your pump sump should have a float switch, this essentially acts as a water meter to let the pump know when to start pumping water out. Unless you are experiencing rain or water flooding into the basement your water level should not tend to be activating this switch and in turn your pump shouldn’t be getting used.
How long does it take for a sump pump to stop?
Sump pumps can put in a mammoth shift for almost a whole day before they start to falter, slow down or burn out! Your sump pump should stop after the water is removed which usually takes around 6 hours of the day if you have a well functioning household pump for up to 10 years average lifespan.
What are the factors that affect sump pump performance?
Factors such as whether your pump has a thermal protection to protect from overheating, whether your pump requires intermittent or continuous duty and if you are currently experiencing a rainy season are all major factors in what your sump pump should and shouldn’t be doing.
Why does my sump pump run in the winter?
During winter due to weather conditions, the ground remains saturated for months. High water tables and satura ted grounds mean that moisture is regularly seeping into your foundations. This is why it might seem like your sump pump is continuously pumping during the winter months. It is normal for your sump pump to run several times a day, and it is obviously going to be working during winter due to the level of moisture around (it is actually during spring when the ground thaws when the pump works its hardest), sometimes up to 22 hours in the day. If this is the case, your pump is functioning well and draining water well.
Why is my sump pump clogged?
Pumping dirty water will eventually cause the mechanical parts of the sump pump to become clogged up, especially if the pump is situated close to the bottom of the sump pit where all the sludge and silt collects . The intake holes on the pump might be plugged up and preventing water from entering.
Why does my sump pump keep running?
When your water discharge line is blocked at the end or somewhere along its route out and away from your home, it can cause water to flow back into your basement. A clog in your check valve can cause the same problem. These are common reasons for a sump pump running constantly but not draining.
Why do sump pumps work?
It protects your basement from flooding and the resulting water damage and costly repairs and wading around downstairs trying to do something about the mess. During periods of heavy rains or if a water pipe happens to freeze and burst, your sump pump leaps into action to pump that excess water safely out of your home.
How long does it take for a sump pump to run after rain?
In most cases, it’s perfectly normal for a sump pump to run constantly after heavy rain, often for 2 or 3 days in a row. Obviously, during periods of heavy rain, there’s a whole bunch of water falling on the surface of the ground very quickly, and that water has to go somewhere.
How long does a sump pump last?
If your sump pump runs every 30 seconds for more than 2 or 3 days, depending on outside weather and local water table conditions and ruling out the problems listed above, then it’s time to start looking at other possible problems in your system.
Why does my sump pump run all the time?
Some of the more common things that might cause this include: The groundwater level and the drain tile around your home are such that the water collects at the lowest level and seeps into your basement.
How often should a sump pump kick on?
Depending on your location, it’s not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day.
What happens if your sump pump is broken?
This one is probably the biggest sump pump problems and can lead to water damage causing your floors to swell (like we discussed in wood floor water damage) and destroy your basement causing lengthy renovations and even worse damage to your overall health.
Why won't my sump pump shut off?
It won’t shut off because the float can’t return to its normal position.
What happens if there is no water in the sump pit?
However, if there is no water in the basin or minimal water, the float switch may be stuck or broken. Inspect it and determine if the pump needs to be replaced or repaired.
Why is a sump pump check valve important?
Sump pump system check valves are important because, without them, the water that gets pumped out can flow back into the basin and cause the water level to rise. Under normal circumstances, this will cause the pump to run more often and can lead to the sump pump burning out. Once that happens, you can get water coming into your basement.
What happens when a float switch is stuck in the on position?
When the float switch is stuck in the on position the pump runs and runs without stopping eventually leading to a sump pump failure.
Why is my sump pump short cycle?
The most common reason for this sump pump short cycle is that the float switch of your sump pump is stuck or faulty. The float needs to be able to move around in the sump pit, and sometimes the float switch can get tangled in the sump pump’s cable or stuck on the side of the wall of the basin. If the float is not moving freely, it can be tripping ...
What is a float switch?
A float switch is a key part of your sump pump system. It sits in the basin (or water pit) where the water accumulates. As the water level of the sump pit basin rises, the float rises with it. When the water level gets to the point where the pump needs to turn on, the float is the switch that causes it to turn on.
Sump Pumps Come with Varying Capacities
Another factor to consider when determining the run times of sump pumps is the pumping capacities or ratings. You’ll find these pumps have power ratings that range from 1/3 horsepower to about 3 horsepower.
i. Sump Pump Quality Matters
The expected run time of sump pumps is largely determined by the quality. There are top-quality sump pumps designed to run longer in situations where there’s a sudden rise in groundwater.
What Makes a Quality Sump Pump?
So far, quality has been mentioned as one of the key influencing factors that determine how long a sump pump should run.
ii. Faulty Sump Pumps May Turn on and Fail to Turn Off
Although we’ve provided the ideal run times of sump pumps based on type or quality, another factor affects normal running. As a sump pump gets used continually, there’s a tendency for it to malfunction.
Faulty Sump Pump Valve
Because sump pumps are installed below ground, valve systems are installed to keep water from backtracking.
Faulty Float Switch
One of the vital components of a sump pump is the float switch designed to trigger the pump to either run or turn off. As the name implies, float switches work with the water level.
Incorrect Sump Pit Size
An appropriately sized sump pump and the pit should be installed. When the sump pump is smaller than the sump pit, it’s likely to compensate by working continuously.
Motor design affects how long sump pumps run
It's the sump pump’s motor design that determines how long it can run continuously. There are two types of motors: intermittent and continuous sump pump motors. As the names suggest, intermittent-duty motors run when needed, but will stop occasionally. Continuous-duty motors can run a long time without stopping.
Potential problems when a sump pump runs continuously
Unless there's been heavy rains or your pump is located well below the water table beneath the basement floor, there's little reason for a sump pump to run continuously for a prolonged period. When a sump pump runs for a long time under non-rainy conditions, it may signal of a mechanical problem, such as:
Replacing a sump pump
Sump pumps can last 10 years or more, but many manufacturers recommended pump replacement every five years. In terms of cost, a new sump pump is usually between $100 and $200, and the labor to install it averages between $450 and $600.
FAQs
If there's no water to pump, you should not leave a sump pump running. If you notice this behavior, get a plumber to identify the problem. Sump pumps that run when they're not supposed to can became faulty.
Why does my sump pump slow down?
Over time, sump pumps can become clogged and dirty, which can cause them to slow down or give out completely. The pump can become clogged in a variety of ways. The sump pit, where the sump pump sits, can become clogged with dirt and debris. The pump’s mechanical parts can also become blocked.
Why is my sump pump overwhelmed?
Overwhelmed Sump Pump. When a single sump pump can’t handle a flooded basement, the pump can become overwhelmed. This can happen for several reasons, such as not being reliable or powerful enough. For example, plastic models are often cheaper and more likely to fail, especially in the event of a flood.
How does a sump pump work?
The sump pump collects water that would flood the basement and pump it into a discharge line. The discharge line then directs the water out of the house running five to eight feet upward. A check valve prevents the water from flowing back into the pump.
What is a float switch on a sump pump?
When you install a sump pump on the basement floor, it includes a float switch. The float switch floats when the water rises in the sump pit. When the switch floats up to a certain level, it triggers a switch to turn on the pump. Conversely, when the water lowers, the float switch lowers and turns the switch off.
Why does my sump pump run continuously?
A sump pump that runs continuously is usually due to faulty float switches. If the switch becomes jammed or tangled, it can’t rise and fall, causing the pump to always run. The switch can also break while in the ON position, so the pump cannot stop running.
How much does it cost to replace a sump pump?
The average homeowner spends around $1,000 for installation. However, if you already have a sump pump and pipework in place, it can cost about $500 to replace it. If you are familiar with plumbing, you may be able to complete the replacement yourself.
Can a sump pump flood?
Sometimes, there is a continuous flow of water into the sump pit from an underground spring or high water. While this is rare, it can happen, causing the sump pit to flood. Raising the sump pit, upgrading the system, or adding another sump pump can help.
2. Faulty Discharge Line Check Valve
A constantly running sump pump is also caused by a faulty discharge line check valve. But where exactly is this check valve?
3.Underground Leak
If your sump is running all the time and the float switch and check valve are not the problem, you most likely have a leak from your underground pipes that is continuously filling the sump pit with water.
4. High Water Table
Have you lived in the house long enough to understand how the sump operates around a year? There could be a possibility that your house was built in the wrong location.
5. Wrong Size of Pump
Size does matter after all. If the size of the pump is too small relative to the size of the sump pit, your pump will need to run all the time to keep the level of water in the pit low. While this is a rare problem, you cannot completely rule it out.