Why does my sump pump keep turning on and off

Lots of contractors and homeowners have questions about their sump pumps short cycling. Most of the time, it’s not something you need to worry about. Most sump pumps are sitting in a sump basin, so they collect the same amount of water every time. Once the water rises, the pump turns on and pumps out the water in the basin, then it turns off. So the pump is actually pumping out the same amount of water every time it cycles.

For our purposes, let’s say your sump pump basin holds 5 gallons of water. Now a 3/4 HP Pump will pump out the water at a faster rate than a 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP Pump. And most sump pumps will pump out the water that comes into the basin regularly without any problems.

What you have to plan for are those rain events that happen once or twice a year where a LOT OF WATER comes into the system at a very short period of time. In these events, a 1/3 HP Pump or a 1/2 HP Pump may not be able to keep up with the rising water level. If this happens, the basement will eventually flood.

Now it is true that during one of these rain events a higher HP pump may run a few more cycles than a lower HP Pump. But the smaller HP Pumps may not be able to keep up with the torrential rains that may occur.

So the trade off for the few dozen extra cycles on the switch of your main sump pump isn’t worth the risk of flooding your basement (and most pump switches average 100,000 cycles anyway).

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

One of the more common reasons for a sump pump failure occurs when the system begins to run continuously in your home.

A sump pump system that's constantly in operation can begin to overheat and break down. This is especially true if your sump pump is running when there's no water in the pit, as that water will help your system cool itself down during operation.

Most issues with continually running sump pump systems have easy causes and common-sense solutions, if the problem is solved in time.

At Basement Systems, we've spent more than 20 years designing and improving our award-winning sump pump systems with the common causes of sump pump failure in mind. As a result, we have we've created the most reliable sump pump system in the industry.

Jammed Sump Pump Float Switches

Each sump pump system installed on a basement floor includes a "float switch". These are designed with lightweight material (many are filled with air) and are designed to float upwards as water rises in your existing sump pit.

When the float switch floats upwards to a certain level, it triggers a switch that turns your sump pump on. As the water drops, the float switch lowers again, turning the switch off.

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.

These switches usually fail for two reasons:

The Sump Pump Wanders In The Pit: As sump pumps operate, they vibrate. Over time, this vibration will cause the sump pump to move around the 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.

The Float Switch Becomes Stuck: The float switch sometimes hooks on to something in the sump pit, such as a wire or pipe. Alternatively, debris in the sump liner jams the float switch in an "on" position.

Other Causes Of Continuous Sump Pump Operation

While a sump pump that is running nonstop usually has a simple float switch issue, this is not the only cause of this kind of failure. Sometimes a different -- or deeper -- problem is the real issue.

Other causes of continually running sump pumps include the following:

Your sump pump system is designed to collect water that would flood your basement and pump it upwards into a discharge line, which directs the water out of your house. These discharge lines often run straight upwards for five to eight feet.

So what happens when the sump pump system empties the liner of water and turns off? The water in that length of pipe will fall straight down again. If it lands back in the pit, your sump pump may turn back on and shoot it back up, starting an endless cycle.

To prevent this, contractors install a "check valve" in the discharge line the stops water from flowing back to the pump. However, if there is an issue with the check valve, then your pump might be pumping the same water out over and over again.

Drainage System & Plumbing Issues

There are a great many plumbing issues that can lead to a sump pump running constantly. If you have a sprinkler system in your yard that's broken somewhere underground, it may be providing a continuous supply of water for your sump pump system to pump. Other plumbing leaks, such as a broken sewer pipe underneath your home, may also be the cause.

Problems such as these can also lead to foundation heaving and other damage to your home -- if you suspect that this might be the case, contact a waterproofing professional right away.

Alternatively, you may simply have a sump pit that's too big and too deep. You only need to keep the water out of your basement -- if the pump is too deep, it might be running nonstop to remove more water than it needs to.

Your Home Is Built In The Wrong Place

While it's unfortunate, there are some very rare cases where the house was just built in the wrong spot. Your home may have been built just above a water table line. When that water table rises due to heavy rains or the wet season, it might be above your basement floor.

In other scenarios, a shelf of natural rock in the are might be directing groundwater to collect around your home, or a natural underground spring might be sending an endless supply of water into the soil around your foundation.

In cases like this, it's your sump pump against the entire water table -- and while it might keep your basement dry, it's going to be running nonstop to do so.

We Can Help You Solve Your Sump Pump Problems!

At Basement Systems, our dealers are trained experts at identifying sump pump issues of all kinds -- and finding effective solutions to each one.

Our sump pump systems are designed with a special fixed float switch that is designed to avoid failures of all types -- minimizing the chances of any potential problem. Each of our drainage lines also includes a reliable check valve, and each system includes our WaterWatch® alarm that can sound off in the remote chance of a system failure.

Call us today to sign up for your free, no-obligation sump pump system estimate! Each free estimate includes an on-site inspection and measurement, a written cost estimate, and a complimentary copy of our full-color waterproofing book.

If you live in Canada or the United States, our trained, experienced and authorized Basement Systems dealers are standing by to help you!

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.

A sump pump that cycles too frequently will wear out the motor prematurely and decrease the system’s lifespan. If you notice that your sump pump is running constantly, it might have one of the following problems:

Our expert technicians are here for youSchedule Online Today

Why Does My Sump Pump Keep Running?

1. Defective Float Switch

The float switch floats on the water’s surface and signals the sump pump to turn on. It moves up and down with the water level. When the water hits a certain level, the float switch starts the pumping process. The submerged pump pulls water in and moves it through the discharge pipe.

If a float switch is defective, the float and arm could be stuck and fail to pause after releasing water. The float switch might function normally but still be faulty. When looking for a replacement float switch, make sure you purchase the right one for your sump pump model. Contact an HVAC technician at 904-467-9674 with any questions.

2. Malfunctioning Check Valve

The check valve rests on the discharge pump that’s above the sump pump. The valve keeps water from flowing down the discharge pipe and back into the sump pump. If your sump pump keeps running during the day, a defective check valve may be the source of the issue. A malfunctioning check valve could cause the water to constantly move up and down the discharge pipe without being dispelled from the system.

To identify a broken check valve, start by making sure your system has a valve. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase and install one. If your system has a check valve but still runs constantly, the check valve might be worn out from years of use and need a replacement. A check valve is easy to install or replace yourself.

Tips & Insights: Why Is My Sump Pump Not Working?

3. Blocked Discharge Pipe

If the float switch and check valve are functioning properly, your sump pump might keep running because the discharge pipe is clogged. Sometimes dirt and other debris make their way into the discharge pipe and build up over time—resulting in a clog that blocks water from exiting the sump pump.

To fix this problem, try removing the clog with a wire hanger or drain snake. WARNING: do not pour a liquid drain cleaner into the sump pump to remove clogs.

4. Undersized Sump Pump

An undersized sump pump can’t expel water at the same rate that it enters the system. As a result, the sump pump runs longer than it’s supposed to as it tries to keep up with demand. If you realize that your sump pump is too small for the amount of water entering the system, you’ll need to get a replacement installed.

5. Clogged Inlet Screen

Some sump pumps require water to pass through an inlet screen before entering the system. This design prevents debris from entering the motor. While this feature is helpful to protect the motor from clogging, sometimes the inlet screen gets clogged. If the inlet screen gets clogged, water can’t flow into and out of the system like it should. This issue can cause the sump pump to run constantly as it tries to remove water.

Fixing a clogged inlet screen is simple:

• Turn off the sump pump.
• Remove the sump pump from the pit.
• Carefully remove any debris from the inlet screen.
• Return the sump pump to the pit, and turn it on.

If you experience any further issues after cleaning the inlet screen, have a Fenwick technician come take a look.

6. Broken Impeller

The impeller is a motorized fan that brings water into the sump pump and moves it up the discharge pipe. If this piece breaks, your sump pump will run constantly without bringing in or pushing out enough water.

Call us to have an HVAC technician determine whether your sump pump’s impeller is broken or just needs minor repairs.

Ways To Increase the Life Cycle of Your Sump Pump

If you want to save money, check out our five helpful tips to extend the lifespan of your sump pump:

1. Clean & Sanitize

A clean sump pump runs more efficiently, and an efficient sump pump puts less wear and tear on the system. If you don’t want to have to purchase a new sump pump anytime soon, make sure to clean and sanitize it regularly.

2. Inspect & Test

To test whether your sump pump is functioning properly, pour water into the basin and see if the float switch rises and lowers with the water level. If your system functions properly, it will last longer.

Tips & Insights: 5 Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Not Blowing Cold Air

3. Clean the Drainage Pipes

Remove any debris or other clogged items from the drainage pipes so water can flow like it’s supposed to. Also, check for any leaky pipes. Following these two steps will protect your sump pump from getting damaged and wearing down too quickly.

4. Level It

If your sump pump isn’t level, the float arm won’t activity. Make sure your system sits on level ground or a level surface.

5. Inspect the Power Source

The easiest way to check for proper functioning and increase its life cycle is to make sure your sump pump is plugged into a power source.

Sump Pump Repair & Installation Services

We have earned a reputation for our professionalism, responsiveness, punctuality, and high quality of work. If your sump pump is running constantly, call our team of licensed plumbers to receive assistance. Our team of plumbers provide dependable sump pump repair and installation services to homes in Florida. In addition, we offer other types of plumbing services such as sink installation, water heater repair, gas line replacement, and water line repair. Call us today at 904-217-5694 to get started.