A sump pump removes water from your basement. However, if it’s running all the time, there could be a problem. It’s not always a disaster, but it could become one fast.
When It’s Normal for a Sump Pump to Run Constantly
A constantly running sump pump is normal in these circumstances:
- Heavy rain
- Spring melt
- High water table
- Nearby construction
If it’s just rained for three days straight, you’re probably fine. But if not, read on.
When It’s Not Normal (And Something’s Definitely Wrong)
There are a number of reasons that your sump pump might be running constantly. Below are seven of the most common issues.
1. Stuck or Broken Float Switch
How does your sump pump know when to turn on and start pumping water? That’s what the float switch does. The clue is in the name—it has a float that rises along with the water, and it activates the pump switch.
The float or the arm that it’s on can get jammed or tangled due to debris or other issues. This is easy to check and fix. You just need to look, and if it’s stuck, switch off the pump’s power to untangle or unjam it.
2. Faulty Check Valve
The water from your basement or crawl space is drained into something called a sump pit, and it’s moved out of the sump pit via a discharge line. The discharge line is a pipe that draws the water straight up for the first several feet.
Inside this pipe, a device called a check valve keeps the water moving upwards. If it fails, the water won’t be removed and the pump just keeps running in what’s called a backflow cycle.
There are a few signs that the fault may be in the check valve. Backflow can cause bubbling or a gurgling sound. The water in the sump pit may be rising and then draining rapidly.
Ring clamps hold the check valve in place. Look at the valve’s positioning and see whether it’s worn out. Fortunately, this is an easy replacement.
3. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Pipe
A discharge pipe is supposed to drain the water away from your house, but sediment, tree roots or other types of debris can clog it. You might be able to clear the blockage using a drain snake or a plunger.
Any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, the water in your discharge pipe is at risk of freezing. You can bury the pipe in the ground or cover it with hay or a tarp to help protect it. You can also insulate it as you would your other water pipes.
4. High Water Table or Poor Drainage
If the ground around your house is higher than the house itself or if there’s a high water table, your sump pump might not work properly.
You may be able to correct these types of issues permanently with a French drain, which is a ditch you put a pipe in to draw water away from your house. However, upgrading your sump pump might be necessary.
5. Undersized or Overworked Pump
Your pump is too small if it can’t pump a sufficient number of gallons per hour or does not have enough horsepower.
To determine the gallons per hour, measure the water in the sump pit, wait one minute, and measure it again. Multiply by 60 to convert the per-minute rate to per hour. Multiply again by 1.5 to account for days when it’s raining hard.
Calculate the horsepower you need by measuring how far it is from the bottom of the sump basin to the spot where the discharge pipe exits your home. This gives you the vertical lift.
Then measure the length of the outside discharge pipe. This gives you the horizontal distance. With this information, you can determine whether you need a one-third, one-half, or three-fourths to one horsepower pump.
6. Electrical or Sensor Malfunction
If there is no water in the sump pit, it could be a sensor malfunction. Your pump might burn out if it’s running dry. You can move the sensor up and down to see if the pump responds. The sensor could be obstructed or may simply need cleaning. Electrical issues could include wiring problems with the sensor or blown fuses.
7. Improper Installation
There are a few common installation errors, including the wrong pit size, not including the check valve or a bad float position. Recheck your installation work for these mistakes. If you didn’t do the installation, call in a professional to fix it.
Warning Signs You’re Headed for a Flood
Look for these signs.
- Burned-out pump motor sounds
- Pit water level is rising despite pumping
- Basement smells musty or has damp floor
Act now before mold or foundation damage sets in.
DIY Fixes You Can Try Today
- Clean your float switch
- Test the check valve. Visually inspect it, then pour water into the sump pit. If it drains slowly or backs up, you may have a valve problem.
- Straighten kinks or check for ice in the discharge line.
Pro tip: Use a backup battery pump while troubleshooting.
When to Replace the Pump vs. Repair It
If your pump has reached its average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, it may be time to replace it.
There may be other signs that it makes more sense to replace your sump pump instead of repairing it:
- Frequent repairs
- Repair costs exceeds cost of new pump
- Wrong size or capacity
- Major mechanical issues
Professional Help: What to Expect
A plumber may be able to identify what’s wrong with your sump pump more accurately and more quickly than you.
A plumber can also check things you can’t, such as internal components. They can also use a camera to check your sewer line for groundwater issues.
How to Prevent It From Happening Again
- Monthly float check
- Yearly cleaning of pits and pipes
- Install a battery backup or water-powered backup system
- Consider an alarm system for high water
- Insulate pipes for winter
FAQs
Is it bad if my sump pump runs every minute?
Yes, if there’s no rain or it’s cycling quickly, your sump pump may need repair.
How long should a sump pump run after heavy rain?
It might run for two or three days.
What’s the best backup system?
A battery backup is best.
How much does it cost to fix a sump pump?
Costs vary based on the type of sump pump and the problem, but it could range from $200 to $900.
Sump Pump Services You Can Trust
Whether you need maintenance, repair or a replacement, you can count on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
A running sump pump might be saving your basement—or it might be a warning siren. Know the difference.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers sump pump services to Niceville, FL and the surrounding areas. For punctual plumbers that can solve your sump pump problems, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.