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7 Reasons Your Sump Pump Is Not Working

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.