Here’s Why Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working and What to Do About It
Keep your pump problems at bay
Most sump pumps last between seven and 10 years.
Test your sump pump monthly and deep clean it annually to get the best performance.
Common reasons for failure include clogs and taking in too much water.
Bring in the pros if you don’t know what's wrong with your pump.
A good sump pump is invaluable when it comes to protecting your home from basement floods because it can detect rising water levels and pump away excess water to the outside of your home. But what should you do if your trusty pump isn’t working? There could be several reasons your pump is failing you, such as a faulty float sensor or a power failure. We’re outlining the most common sump pump problems and how to remedy them below.
1. Power Failure
One of the most common reasons that sump pumps fail is an electrical power outage. In this case, it’s important to have a sump pump backup system installed. Then, if you ever lose power because of a storm, you can manually turn the backup on to prevent flooding.
Backups come in several options, including:
A battery backup
A water-powered backup
A portable backup generator
If the power goes out in your home, these backups will power the sump pump to ensure that your home is still protected from floods.
2. Incorrect Installation
If your sump pump is constantly running, there are three possible causes:
It was installed incorrectly
The pump is too big
The pump is too small
For each of these reasons, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a sump pump repair professional to get your pump reinstalled or calculate the right size pump for your home. Your pro will weigh your capacity needs against horsepower to determine your next pump size.
3. Too Much Water
It’s easy to overwork your sump pump in the event of flooding. If your pump is overflowing, try the following before calling a technician:
Restart the motor
Pull the pump’s plug and let it sit for a few minutes before plugging it back in
Inspect the discharge line and overflow valve for clogs
If these troubleshooting tips don’t help drain the pit, you may have a faulty valve (the part that opens and closes to let water out of the pump). You should call in a professional to locate and check the valve to determine if a replacement is necessary. Diagnosing a faulty valve is pretty tricky, so it’s best to leave this one to the pros.
4. Lack of Maintenance
As with any other system or major appliance in your home, regular sump pump maintenance helps your pump stay at maximum safety and efficiency. Performing maintenance once every quarter of a year helps you stay on top of any potential repairs.
To easily maintain your pump:
Clear the sump basin of debris
Remove and clean the pump
Make sure the discharge pipe isn’t clogged
5. Stuck Sensor
If your pump isn’t turning on, it could be because of a faulty or stuck float sensor, which is the part that triggers your pump to turn on and off when the water level in the pit reaches a certain point. This is a fairly common mechanical issue that happens when debris jams the float or the pump shifts inside the basin (which causes the float that operates the sensor to become ineffective).
Luckily, this is an easy fix—simply adjusting and cleaning your pump usually does the trick. Keep in mind that float sensors only last about five to seven years, so a replacement may be in order if it's ineffective.
6. Clogs
Like many home systems, sump pumps can fall victim to debris like rocks, mud, and sticks. Be sure to check your sump pit for potential clogs every few months or after a heavy rainstorm. Ensuring your sump pump has a lid is your most effective defense against clogs, as lidless sump pumps will back up more often.
7. End of Life Span
Most sump pumps generally last between seven to 10 years. If you’re experiencing sump pump failure and your pump is over 10 years old, you may be beyond basic troubleshooting methods. Some sump pumps can last longer than this, but it’s recommended that you install a new sump pump after 10 years to be safe.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the sump pump troubleshooting techniques listed above and your pump still isn’t working properly, it’s time to bring in the pros. Hire a sump pump contractor near you to ensure that your basement (and your home) stays protected.
Knowing how much a sump pump replacement costs helps you stay prepared for future bills. On average, sump pump repairs will cost $500. But if your pro deems replacement a better option, it’ll cost $645 to $2,095 to get a new sump pump installed.
Once your sump pump issues are resolved with a repair or replacement, keep up with sump pump maintenance to extend the life span of your device. Test it once per month, clean the inlet screen once per season, and deep clean the sump pump annually to help it keep your home safe from floods.
Frequently Asked Questions
You shouldn’t shower while a sump pump isn’t working. Although household wastewater isn’t supposed to go into the sump pit, it’s best to wait to shower until your sump pump is running properly and able to move excess water out of the basement. If you need to shower when the sump pump isn’t working, aim for a short shower.
First, you can try unplugging the two sump pump cords, one for the motor and one for the float switch, then plugging them back in to reset the sump pump. You can also reset the sump pump by turning it off and back on at the breaker. Many sump pumps have a reset button, which you can press and hold for a few seconds to reset the device.
There are many signs to look for if you suspect the sump pump is clogged. First, check the discharge pipe and around the sump pump for visible clogging. You may also notice flooding in the basement around the sump pit or larger objects, such as rocks, in the sump pit. Listen for loud noises, such as a screeching sound, to flag a clog.
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