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Common Sump Pump Problems and What to Do About Them
TL;DR
Your sump pump works hard to keep your basement dry, but problems like overloading, clogs, frozen discharge lines, drainage issues, and power outages can stop it from doing its job. Regular testing and maintenance can help you catch small problems before they lead to flooding. A battery backup sump pump can also provide extra protection during storms and power outages. If your pump is making unusual noises, running continuously, not starting, or struggling to remove water, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional before the next heavy storm.
A reliable sump pump is one of the best ways to protect your basement from flooding caused by heavy storms or plumbing leaks. However, when the pump stops working properly, it can turn a small water problem into a bigger one or even lead to flooding on its own.
Why do Sump Pumps Fail?
Sump pumps are mechanical systems, so they can develop problems, especially as they get older. They also depend on a reliable power supply, meaning a power failure can leave the pump unable to work.
With so many types, brands, and models available, some pumps may also be poorly designed or made with lower-quality parts. In addition, incorrect installation can reduce a pump’s performance and prevent it from working effectively.
How do Sump Pumps Fail?
1. Sump Pump Overload
In some situations, one sump pump may not be enough to manage a sudden increase in basement water. If the pump is not powerful or reliable enough, it may struggle to handle the amount of water entering your basement, particularly during heavy rain.
The quality of the sump pump also plays an important role in keeping your basement dry. A low-quality plastic pump may wear out, stop working, or fail to keep up when you need it most.
How to Prevent Sump Pump Overload?
Consider upgrading your sump pump and adding a battery backup sump pump for extra protection during power outages or heavy rainfall. In some cases, one pump may not be enough, and you may need additional sump pumps installed in separate areas of the basement.
2. Sump Pump Running but No Water in the Pit
If there is no water in the sump pit, it may indicate that the sump pump was installed incorrectly or is not properly connected to a drainage system.
How Drainage Affects Sump Pump Performance?
A sump pump performs best when the basement has a properly installed drain tile system along the inside or outside perimeter. A basement drainage system is designed to collect water and direct it by gravity toward the sump pit, where the pump can remove it.
If the drain is clogged, damaged, installed without the correct slope, or missing altogether, water may not reach the sump pump properly. Even a high-quality sump pump cannot keep your basement dry if the drainage system is not working as it should.
How to Fix Basement Drainage Problems
Have your drainage system inspected to identify and fix any problems. If your basement does not have a drainage system, consider having one professionally installed.
3. Clogged Sump Pumps and Switches
If your sump pit does not have a lid, which is common in many basements, dirt and debris can build up inside over time. This buildup can cause the sump pump to slow down or eventually stop working.
A sump pump can become clogged or stuck in several ways:
Dirt and debris can build up inside the sump pit, where the pump is located.
The pump’s mechanical parts can collect dirt and debris over time, especially when the pump sits directly on the bottom of a dirty pit where silt can gather.
The float switch, which turns the pump on and off as the water level rises and falls, can become clogged or stuck.
On lower-quality sump pumps, the switch may get tangled or jammed. This can cause the pump to stop working or remain stuck in the “on” position, causing it to run continuously.
4. Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines
Your sump pump needs a clear discharge line to move water safely away from your basement and foundation. If the line becomes frozen, clogged with debris, or blocked by snow and ice, water may back up toward the sump pit. This can make the pump run continuously, prevent it from removing water, or contribute to basement flooding.
The problem is especially common during cold winter weather when water left inside the discharge line can freeze and restrict the flow. Poor drainage at the outlet can also cause water to collect near the foundation and flow back toward your home.
How to Protect Your Sump Pump Discharge Line
Keep the line clear of ice, snow, leaves, and other debris, and make sure it has proper drainage away from the foundation. In colder weather, protect it from freezing with a discharge-line attachment such as IceGuard. A clear, protected discharge line helps your sump pump work properly when you need it most.
5. Power Lost to the Sump Pump
If you are away from home when your sump pump loses power, your basement can quickly become vulnerable to flooding. A storm that brings heavy rain and rising water can also cause power outages by damaging power lines.
Even without a storm, a tripped circuit breaker or an accidentally unplugged pump can leave your sump pump unable to operate when you need it.
Will Your Sump Pump Keep Working During a Storm?
Power outages can happen during severe weather, and you do not want your sump pump to stop when your basement needs protection the most.
Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump for Extra Protection
Add a backup system for extra protection. A high-capacity, battery-powered backup sump pump can keep removing water if the main pump loses power. A reliable backup system can also include an alarm to alert you if there is a problem with the pump or rising water levels.
How to Trouble Shoot a Sump Pump?
You do not need special tools to check whether your sump pump is working. All you need is a bucket and about five minutes.
Test your sump pump twice a year, and test it again before hurricane season begins.
Clear the area first. Move anything stored around the sump pit. Check that the power cord is dry and plugged into a working outlet.
Remove the lid carefully. Keep your hands away from the sump pit. If you need to reach inside for any reason, turn off the power at the circuit breaker first.
Add water slowly. Pour about 5 to 10 gallons of water into the pit until the float rises.
Check the pump. The pump should turn on automatically within a few seconds.
Listen for water leaving the pipe. You should hear water flowing through the discharge line. If the motor is running but you cannot hear water leaving the pipe, the water may not be draining properly.
Make sure it shuts off. The pump should remove the water from the pit and then turn off automatically once the water level drops.
A working sump pump should start when the water level rises, remove the water, and shut off once the basin is empty. Signs of a problem include a motor that runs without moving water, a pump that does not start, or one that continues running even after the basin has been emptied.
For a sewage ejector pump, run water through the fixture connected to the pump rather than pouring water directly into the basin. Never open a sewage basin to test the pump.
Keep in mind that this test only confirms that the pump is running. It does not show how much useful life the pump has left.
During a professional inspection, the pump’s amp draw is checked against its rated level, the check valve is tested for backflow, and the discharge line is inspected all the way to its outlet. These checks can identify problems that a simple bucket test may not detect.
When Should You Call a Professional for Sump Pump Repair?
A failing sump pump rarely stops at a convenient time. It is more likely to fail during a heavy storm when you need it most, rather than days before the problem begins.
We have been serving Trent Lakes homeowners for 13 years. Our licensed and background-checked technicians provide sump pump repair and pump services throughout Buckhorn, Lakehurst, Ennismore, Bridgenorth, Peterborough, Selwyn and City of Kawartha Lakes.
Our team is available by phone 24 hours a day, including holidays. We also offer same-day service 24 / 7.
If you have water on the floor or sewage is backing up, let us know when you call so we can prioritize your service visit.
Business Address: Trent Lakes, ON K0L 1J0 Phone: 705-768-0876
Hours: Open 24 hours, including holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if a sump pump is going bad?
Common signs of a failing sump pump include unusual noises, frequent cycling, slow water removal, failure to start, or a pump that keeps running after the sump pit is empty. You may also notice water remaining in the pit or a clogged discharge line. If your sump pump is showing these signs, have it inspected before the next heavy storm.
What is the average lifespan of a sump pump?
The average sump pump lifespan is about 7 to 10 years, although the actual life can vary based on how often the pump runs, the quality of the pump, installation, and maintenance. A sump pump that works frequently during heavy rain may wear out sooner. Regular inspections can help identify problems before the pump fails.
What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
One of the most common causes of sump pump failure is power loss. A tripped breaker, unplugged pump, or storm-related power outage can stop the pump from working. Other common problems include clogged pumps or discharge lines, stuck float switches, worn components, and improper installation. A battery backup sump pump can provide additional protection during a power outage.
How can I test my sump pump?
You can test a sump pump by slowly pouring about 5 to 10 gallons of water into the sump pit until the float rises. The pump should start automatically, remove the water through the discharge line, and shut off once the water level drops. Keep your hands out of the pit, and turn off power at the breaker before reaching inside. A bucket test confirms that the pump runs, but a professional inspection can identify issues that a basic test may miss.
How do I know when to replace a sump pump?
Consider replacing your sump pump if it repeatedly fails to start, runs continuously, makes unusual noises, removes water slowly, or needs frequent repairs. Age is another factor, especially if the pump is around 7 to 10 years old. If the pump has already failed during a storm or cannot keep up with incoming water, replacing it with a properly sized pump and adding a battery backup can provide greater protection.
