Guides / Sump pump warning signs
Sump pump warning signs, and how to test yours
A sump pump sits quietly for months. It matters most on the night you are not thinking about it.
Signs your pump is in trouble
- It runs nonstop, even when it has not rained.
- It never runs, even after heavy rain, while the basement is damp.
- It turns on and off every few seconds. A stuck float or a missing check valve can cause this.
- It is loud, grinds or rattles.
- It is old. Most pumps last somewhere around 7 to 10 years.
- You see rust, sludge or debris in the pit.
- The discharge pipe is frozen, clogged or empties near the house.
How to test it
- Make sure the pump is plugged in. Do not touch the pump or cord with wet hands or while standing in water.
- Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit.
- The float should rise and the pump should start.
- The pit should empty, and the pump should shut off by itself.
- Go outside and check that water is coming out of the discharge pipe, away from the house.
If the pump does not start, will not shut off, or the water runs back into the pit when it stops, call for help before the next storm.
The power goes out when the rain comes
A standard sump pump stops when the power does. Storms that fill the pit are often the same storms that knock out power. A battery backup is worth asking about.
Questions
How long does a sump pump last?
Most last somewhere around 7 to 10 years, less if they run constantly. If yours is near or past that, treat it as due for a replacement before it fails.
Should my sump pump run when it is not raining?
Occasionally, yes. If groundwater is high it can run for a while after rain stops. If it runs nonstop in dry weather, or cycles on and off every few seconds, something needs attention.
What happens to my sump pump when the power goes out?
A standard pump stops. Storms that knock out power are often the same storms that fill the pit, so a battery backup is worth asking about.
How do I test my sump pump?
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should start, empty the pit and shut off. If it does not, or the water drains back, stop and call for help.
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