Your sump pump works quietly in your basement, protecting your home from water damage day after day. When it stops working properly, you might not notice until you're dealing with a flooded basement. Understanding the most common issues that affect sump pumps can help you spot problems early and take action before minor issues turn into major headaches.
Is your sump pump making strange noises or failing to turn on? Don't wait for water damage to happen. Call (917) 905-4327 or fill out our online contact form to get help from experienced professionals today.
Why Your Sump Pump Stops Working
Sump pumps fail for various reasons, and many of these problems develop gradually over time. Some issues stem from normal wear and tear, while others result from installation problems or lack of maintenance. The good news is that many sump pump problems show warning signs before they lead to complete failure.
Power outages, mechanical failures, and clogged discharge lines rank among the most frequent culprits. Your home's sump pump might also struggle if it's too small for your basement's needs or if it's been working overtime during particularly wet weather. Knowing what to look for helps you catch these issues early.
The Pump Won't Turn On
When your sump pump doesn't activate, water can quickly accumulate in your basement. This problem often traces back to electrical issues or a faulty float switch. The float switch acts like a sensor that tells your pump when water levels are high enough to require pumping.
Check your circuit breaker first to make sure the pump has power. Sometimes breakers trip during storms or when multiple appliances draw power simultaneously. If the breaker looks fine, examine the float switch to ensure nothing is blocking it from moving freely. Debris, including small objects that fall into the sump pit, can prevent the float from rising properly.
A burned-out motor represents a more serious problem that typically requires professional replacement. Motors fail over time, especially in pumps that run frequently or have been in service for many years.
Strange Noises Coming From Your Pump
Unusual sounds from your sump pump usually indicate mechanical problems that need attention. Different noises point to different issues, so paying attention to what you hear can help identify the problem.
What Different Sounds Mean
- Grinding or rattling: The impeller (the part that moves water) might be damaged or have debris caught in it
- Gurgling: Air might be entering the discharge pipe, or the check valve could be installed incorrectly
- Humming without pumping: The motor is getting power but the pump mechanism isn't working, often due to a seized impeller or failed bearings
- Loud banging: The check valve might be slamming shut, a problem known as water hammer
Listen carefully to identify which sound your pump is making. Some noises indicate simple fixes, while others suggest components need replacement. If you hear grinding or humming without any water movement, turn off the pump to prevent further damage and call for professional plumbing services.
The Pump Runs But Doesn't Remove Water
A sump pump that runs continuously without lowering water levels wastes energy and indicates a malfunction. This problem often results from a damaged impeller, clogged intake screen, or a pump that's too small for your basement's water volume.
Check the intake screen at the bottom of the pump for blockages. Dirt, gravel, and other debris can restrict water flow even when the motor runs normally. You might also have a broken or worn-out impeller that spins without effectively moving water.
Another possibility is that your discharge line has frozen or become blocked. During winter months in the New York area, discharge pipes can freeze solid, preventing water from leaving the sump pit. Even if the pump runs perfectly, water has nowhere to go.
Continuous Running or Cycling
Your sump pump should run only when water levels rise to a certain point, then shut off once the water is pumped out. If it runs constantly or cycles on and off repeatedly, something is wrong with the system.
Common Causes of Continuous Operation
- Float switch problems: The switch might be stuck in the "on" position or installed at the wrong height
- Undersized pump: Your pump can't keep up with the volume of water entering the pit
- Check valve issues: Water flows back into the pit after the pump shuts off, triggering it to restart
- Sump pit too small: The pit fills up too quickly, causing frequent cycling
Continuous running wears out your pump motor much faster than normal operation. It also drives up your electricity bill and increases the likelihood of complete pump failure at the worst possible moment. Address this issue promptly to extend your pump's lifespan and maintain effective basement protection.
Water Backflow After Pumping
If water flows back into your sump pit right after the pump shuts off, you likely have a check valve problem. The check valve is a one-way valve installed in the discharge pipe that prevents pumped water from flowing backward into the pit.
Check valves can fail, become stuck, or be installed incorrectly. Some older installations don't have check valves at all. Without a functioning check valve, gravity pulls water back down the discharge pipe and into your basement, forcing the pump to work much harder than necessary.
Installing or replacing a check valve is a straightforward fix that can dramatically improve your pump's efficiency. Make sure the valve is installed with the arrow pointing in the direction of water flow, away from the sump pit.
Visible Rust or Corrosion
Rust and corrosion on your sump pump indicate the unit is deteriorating. While some surface rust on older pumps is normal, extensive corrosion weakens the pump's structural integrity and can lead to leaks or complete failure.
Corrosion often results from the pump sitting in water for extended periods, especially if that water contains minerals or chemicals. Examine the pump's casing, discharge pipe connections, and any visible metal components. Heavy rust might mean it's time to consider replacing the unit before it fails completely.
Regular maintenance can slow corrosion, but eventually, all sump pumps reach the end of their useful life. Most pumps last between seven and ten years with proper care.
Preventing Future Sump Pump Problems
Taking care of your sump pump reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures. Regular maintenance doesn't take much time but can save you from dealing with a flooded basement.
Pour water into the sump pit every few months to test whether the pump activates properly. Clean the intake screen and remove any debris from the pit. Check that the discharge line exits your home properly and drains away from your foundation. During winter, make sure the discharge point isn't blocked by ice.
Consider installing a battery backup system for your sump pump to keep it running during power outages. Since many heavy rainstorms cause power failures, a backup system provides important protection when you need it most.
Get Professional Help for Sump Pump Issues
Dealing with sump pump problems quickly protects your home from water damage and prevents small issues from becoming expensive repairs. While some minor maintenance tasks are manageable for handy homeowners, many sump pump problems require professional diagnosis and repair.
Nationwide Plumbers serves homeowners throughout New York City and surrounding areas with experienced plumbing services you can count on. Our team understands the unique challenges that basements in this region face and can help you maintain reliable sump pump operation year-round.
Don't wait until water is pooling in your basement—call (917) 905-4327 or contact us online to schedule service today.