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. This will cause it to run even when all water has been removed, which will burn out the pump prematurely.
What do you do if your 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.
Why won’t sump pump won’t 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.
Why is sump pump running with no rain?
Increase in Ground Water 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.
Is a sump pump supposed to run 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 does my sump pump keep running in winter?
Your pump’s discharge pipe’s job is to take the water from the sump pump and dispose of it away from your home. If it’s too close, that water could keep seeping back into your sump, causing your sump pump to run continuously.
Why is sump pump running in winter?
The more water there is, the more your pump has to work. If the discharge line is frozen, the pump will keep trying to empty the sump pit, but the water will be going nowhere. The sump pump will just keep running and running until the water is gone or the pump dies.
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.
Why is my sump pump kicking on and off?
Why a Sump Pump Keeps Turning On and Off The float switch gets stuck in the “on” position. The float switch gets pinned to the side of the liner and can’t operate properly. The sump pump’s check valve may not be working properly or is broken.
How do I know if my sump pump is bad?
Here are some signs you can look out for that can indicate your sump pump is dying. Frequently cycling on and off. If you’ve noticed your sump pump frequently cycling on and off, its basin may be too small to handle the volume of water in your basement. Running nonstop. Making weird noises. Not coming on when it should.
How often should a sump pump kick on?
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.
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.
How do you reset a sump pump?
Follow these 5 simple steps to reset your sump pump: Disconnect the power. Take the sump pump out of the basin. Clean out the sump pump. Return the sump pump to the basin and restart the power. Reset the sump pump.
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.
Can a sump pump burn out?
A common cause of sump pump failure is motor burn out. If the sump pump’s motor is too small, the water might be entering the basin or pit faster than the pump can pump it out. This can cause the system to run continuously, resulting in burnout.
Do sump pumps run when the ground is frozen?
This line is what drains the water away from your home. If the drainage line freezes, the ice in it will block water from draining. That drainage then builds up, collecting in your basement or crawl space and around the foundation. Without the ability to discharge the water, your sump pump cannot run continuously.
Do sump pumps freeze in winter?
A sump pump is usually located at the lowest point of a basement or crawlspace and is susceptible to freezing when the temperatures plummet. If ice builds up in the pump basin, water cannot flow freely and will eventually freeze completely. The pump’s inability to discharge water can cause it to overheat or fail.
