A sump pump in good working order should automatically power itself up when it detects water inside the sump pit. It should also power itself off after that water has been pumped out. But sometimes, like all human inventions, your sump pump will not work as expected, says Lone Eagle Management.
The sump pump may refuse to power on as it should, leading to basement flooding and water damage in your home. That is one type of sump pump malfunction. But another type of sump pump malfunction is the exact opposite of this one.
That is when the sump pump fails to power off. Instead of switching off after the sump basin is emptied, the motor continues to run. This problem can quickly lead to a burnt motor. Why does your sump pump run constantly, and what can you do to solve the problem?
Why does your sump pump run constantly?
There are six reasons why a sump pump runs constantly:
A jammed float switch
The float switch is a floating device that rises and sinks according to the water level inside the basin. If the float switch is jammed by debris or the sump pump has moved out of place, the sump pump may run constantly.
An undersized sump pump
Sump pumps come in different sizes. The right pump for a home depends on the average volume of water that enters the sump pit. If the sump pump or sump pit is too small, the sump pump will run constantly.
Blocked discharge pipe
This pipe transports pumped water from the sump pump to the discharge point on the property. If it is blocked, this water will find a way to cycle back into the sump pit, and the sump will continue to run without actually pumping any water.
Damaged check valve
The check valve prevents pumped water from back-flowing into the sump pit. A damaged check valve will leak water into the sump basin, and since the basin is never emptied, the sump pump will always run.
Broken impeller
This fan-like device inside the sump pump is what creates the sucking action that allows the pump to remove water from the basin. If the impeller is broken, water will not be pumped out of the basin even though the sump pump runs constantly.
An underground leak
A broken drainpipe, cracked septic system, or high water table may be feeding water into the sump pit. If this is happening, the sump basin will always be full of water, and the sump pump will run constantly to try and remove that water.
A constantly running sump pump will lead to:
Higher energy bills
A sump pump that never switches off can inflate your home’s electricity bill significantly.
Frequent breakdowns
The motor will overwork and break down, causing basement flooding, property damage and frequent sump pump repairs.
Premature sump pump replacement
Ultimately, the sump pump will fail before the end of its projected service life, and you will be forced to replace it.
How to stop your sump pump from running constantly
Half of the problem is solved if you can identify the cause of the problem. To fix a sump that is running constantly, do these:
Check the float switch
Check the float switch to ensure it is not stuck but rises and falls with the water level. Be sure the arm is not tangled or obstructed by mud and debris.
Check the discharge pipe for blockage
While the pump is running, check if water is flowing out of the discharge pipe opening. Be sure there is no debris or animal nests inside the pipe.
Inspect the check valve
Examine it for signs of wear. While the pump is running, put your ear close to the pipe to see if you can hear the sound of water flowing backwards after the pump has powered off.
Examine the impeller
Open the sump pump and inspect the impeller. Make sure it is not jammed, obstructed or damaged. Also, check the inlet at the bottom of the sump pump to be sure it is not blocked.
Check the capacity of your sump pump
Reevaluate your sump pump system to ensure there is no mismatch between your home’s needs and the capacity of your sump pump.
Check the age of the sump pump
Your sump pump may be tired. If the sump pump is near or has reached the end of its service life, it could be on the verge of packing up. If the sump pump is old, the only option is to replace the sump pump entirely.
It is a good idea to have a professional plumber do the above checks for you. A malfunctioning sump pump is not the problem you want to DIY. If the problem is not fully solved but allowed to reoccur, the consequences could be disastrous. Talk to a professional plumber today.