What Causes a Sump Pump to Run Nonstop
A sump pump is designed to protect your basement from the risk of flooding by draining water that accumulates in a sump pit. But if you’ve noticed that your sump pump keeps running, this usually means there’s a problem with your sump pump. These problems can happen regardless of the weather conditions or season, and it should be promptly fixed before the overworked pump burns out. Ensuring that your sump pump is working properly is critical to keeping your waterproofing system in working order.
Here are the most common causes for sump pumps going into overdrive.
Stuck Sump Pump Float Switch
When water enters the sump pit it begins to fill, and when it reaches a certain level the float switch triggers to turn the pump up and drain the water. When the water returns to the appropriate level, the pump turns off. However, when the float switch malfunctions it will continue to run as it is incorrectly signaling that there is still water.
Sump Pump/Liner Size – Short Cycling
When a sump pump is not powerful enough to handle the water coming in it needs to run continuously to keep up. On the flip side, if the sump pit is too small. Even if the sump pump is powerful enough the small pit will fill up too fast and constantly trigger the sump pump to keep working.
Underground Water Leak
Underground water leaks can be caused by roof runoff from a damaged gutter, a leaking drain line from a sprinkler, or a burst pipe below ground. When any of these should occur it can cause water to seep into the sump pit. The sump pump will continue to push the water out. However, the underlying issue of the leak will remain unresolved. If this goes unnoticed, the water from those underground water leaks can both damage your home’s foundation and potentially burn out the sump pump.
High Water Table
A high water table can cause your sump pump to run continuously. It will run to prevent the basement from flooding. Heavy rainfall or snow melt can provoke or worsen this problem.
Check Valve Failure
A check valve inside the discharge pipe prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit. The discharge line carries water from the sump pump pit to a location sufficiently away from your home’s foundation. If the check valve has failed, the water will flow back into the sump pit. Ultimately, this will cause the sump pump to continuously run.
Is My Sump Pump Running an Issue?
When your sump pump runs constantly there are many possible concerns besides just the electricity bill. If it continues to run, there is a risk of burn out and your basement flooding. Whatever the reason for your sump pump running continuously, it is recommended to contact a sump pump repair professional to ensure that any necessary repairs are made.
Upgrade Your Waterproofing with ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing
Sump pumps are a key part of what makes an interior waterproofing system work. If there is sump pump failure, water can’t be evacuated properly out of your lower level, leading to flooding.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your sump pump performing well for the duration of its life span. But when a sump pump begins to break down, it’s important to have your sump pump replaced as necessary. Consider also a battery backup sump pump to make sure that your waterproofing works even in the event of a primary pump failure or a power outage. Having a battery backup can be especially important in being prepared for heavy rain storms.
Whether your sump pump system needs repairs or an upgrade, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has the solutions you need! Our high-powered Workhorse sump pumps and battery backup sump pump options can keep water moving fast while also ensuring that you have a functioning sump pump when it’s really needed. We also offer our own specially-engineered waterproofing products including our high-capacity Channel ’58 drainage channels. When it comes to protecting your foundation and lower level from moisture and groundwater intrusion, you can always lean on ’58!
We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard with ’58 experts ready to help! Whether you live near Baltimore, MD, Knoxville, TN, or Atlanta, GA, we’ll be there to make sure your sump pump system keeps working! Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate!