Table of Contents
The most common cause of a sump pump system running continuously is when the sump pump float switch is stuck on the “on” position in your sump pit. If the float switch is pressed against the side of the liner as a result of this, it can become forced into the “on” position permanently, causing it to run nonstop.
What do I do if my sump pump keeps running?
What to do: Unplug the sump pump. Most sump pumps are plugged into a nearby outlet. Clear the sump pit. 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.
Is it bad for a sump pump to run continuously?
A sump pump that runs constantly will wear out quickly and be more susceptible to malfunctions. If the pump continuously operates when there’s no water in the pit, it’s also more likely to overheat. Any type of sump pump failure leaves your basement vulnerable to flooding and extensive water damage.
How frequently should a sump pump run?
To answer the question simply, a sump pump should only run whenever it is needed. In other words, it should only run whenever a certain water level is met. Though this isn’t a very direct answer, it is the most accurate one. If you live in an area that rains a lot, your sump pump should kick on pretty often.
Why won’t my sump pump stop running?
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.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run every 3 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. When a sump pump keeps running, it will wear out more quickly and cost you more over time.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run every 15 minutes?
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 can you run a sump pump continuously?
Generally, sump pumps can run for six to 24 hours continuously, depending on how heavy the rainfall is and the quality of your pump. The aftermath of torrential rains or even flooding puts a higher demand on your sump pump to keep your home’s low areas dry.
Why do I have to shake my sump pump?
Shake, Rattle and Roll The sump pump should have a hum when the motor is running under normal operation. Any change in the quality of the sound (grinding, rattling, thumps or thuds) or the sound level (unusually louder than normal) could indicate a motor problem, and requires your attention.
Can a sump pump overheat?
A: Most pumps will not burn up, but they can overheat. Almost all sump pump motors have thermal protection built in, but the submersible type needs water around the motor for cooling. If the pump overheats, shut it off and let it cool. The thermal relay will reset.
How do I know if my sump pump is clogged?
Observe the float and the triggering of the on/off switch and make sure that the water exits the basin efficiently. Pour another 5 gallons of water into the basin and again monitor the pump’s actions. If the system efficiently pumps water out of the sump basin, you have cleared the clog.
Should a sump pump always have water in it?
It’s perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump’s float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.
Should you unplug your sump pump in the winter?
Never unplug your sump pump. While you might think you don’t need your sump pump over the winter months, you shouldn’t unplug it entirely. If a warm front comes through, snow melts and a rainstorm hits, you might end up with a wet basement all because you forgot to plug your sump pump back in.
Is it normal for sump pump to run 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.
Where should a sump pump drain to?
The discharge point should be at least 10 feet away from your foundation, but 20 feet is better. Otherwise, the water will reabsorb into the soil, and your pump will need to remove it again.
