Why Does My Sump Pump Keep Running?
Many homeowners find that a sump pump is a vital tool for maintaining a clean and dry crawl space or basement. Moisture control in Virginia is a constant struggle with all of the rain, and this is one of many tools to utilize in order to prevent flooding or standing water that can lead to mold damage. However, a sump pump that runs continuously can be a frustrating and costly issue. There is also undue wear and tear on the machine which can lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the device. Here are some common things to check for to determine the cause of why your sump pump might be running incessantly:
1. Check for leaks and cracks in the home
Even small leaks can activate the sump pump. Make sure to inspect drains and pipes as well as window wells for any signs of water infiltration. If you do notice a crack in your foundation or in your crawlspace, you’ll want to seal those cracks to prevent further water from entering areas you wish to keep dry. Also, check the grade of your yard. Make sure that your yard is sloped away from your foundation to keep water flowing away from your house.
2. Check the unit
Every sump pump has a float switch which controls when the pump turns on and off. It’s not adjusted correctly, it will pump unnecessarily. Many sump pumps come with a float switch adjustment that can sometimes fix the problem. If not, you may need to replace the float switch entirely. This is cheaper than replacing the entire unit, but be sure to check with a professional if you are wondering what the issue may be.
3. Check for clogs in the pipe and sump pump
Dirt, rocks, and even dead rodents may find themselves in the sump pit or in the discharge pipe, which will not allow the water to make its way out of the home. Check these areas thoroughly and remove anything that looks like it might be getting in the way. In some cases, this might require a professional cleaning or pipe replacement.
4. Is your sump pump faulty?
As with any appliance, sump pumps can wear out and ultimately give out. If your sump pump is old or is used frequently, you may need to replace your sump pump. Before this, make sure that your sump pump is plugged in and receiving adequate power. If the power cord is faulty or the electrical outlet is damaged, it can appear that the pump is bad when it is not.
4. High Water Table
Virginia is a very wet area, with some parts of central Virginia having very high water tables and heavy rainfall. It could be that you just have increased water levels. If so, nothing to worry about. The sump pump is simply doing its job of keeping your home dry. If you have concerns, contact a professional who can assist in determining root causes of the problem and what can be done to fix it.
When to call a professional
Regularly inspect your sump pump for any of the signs listed above.
Manually raise and lower the float switch to make sure the sump pump is working properly.
Listen for unusual noises like a loud hum or a grinding noise. This could indicate a mechanical issue.
If you’ve taken the above steps or your sump pump is in a hard to reach area, contact us to come check it out for you. We have the tools and over 60 years of experience helping homeowners stay protected from the harsh Virginia weather. We’ll diagnose and recommend any necessary steps to remedy the problem.
By understanding the common causes of a continuously running sump pump and taking proactive measures, you can prevent water damage and maintain a dry basement.
