One of the most common problems with a sump pump is frequent running. A typical sump pump is designed to run only when the water in the sump basin exceeds a certain level. But in the case of such problems, the pump frequently runs, even when there is no or very little water in the basin.
It would be best if you considered fixing the issue as soon as possible. You might not find it that much of an issue, but it is. It has an impact on the life duration of the pump too. Let’s see why it is considered a problem.
What Happens if Sump Pump Runs Frequently?
Frequent turning on and off the pump put pressure on the motor. As a result, the motor wears out quickly and the pump doesn’t last for long.
When there is huge water and the pump has to work frequently, this shouldn’t be an issue as the pump is actually doing something. But when the basin is empty and there is nothing to move and the pump is still working, it is not acceptable. You won’t like your pump to die before it is time just by carrying out air from the basin. It is there to do more than that.
Also, a sump pump makes huge noise when it runs. You don’t want to hear noise frequently, especially when it is not helping you in any way.
These are the reasons you should fix the issue. Otherwise, this unnecessary running will kill the pump and the noise will annoy you.
Why is my sump pump running so much?
To fix the problem, you have to know the reasons behind that. So, here I’m discussing the reasons why your sump pump is running so much even when there is no water in the sump basin.
Float Switch Malfunction
Your sump pump has a float switch that sends signals to it to start working. The process is simple. The switch is very light. So, it floats on the water. With the rise of the water level, the switch also rises. After reaching a set level, it sends a signal to the pump and turns it on. As a result, you don’t have to go and check the water level, again and again, to know when to start the pump.
If the switch is jammed in the ‘on’ position, the pump runs continuously because it is receiving signals from the switch. So, to get rid of this problem, check the float switch first.
This may happen for two reasons. The most common reason is an issue with the switch. Sometimes it remains stuck in the ‘on’ position because of a manufacturing issue.
Another reason is the vibration of the pump. When the pump runs, it vibrates and changes its place. If the float switch is stuck between the pump and basin wall, it may be stuck in the ‘on’ position.
So, check if the switch is stuck or not. If it is stuck, let it float freely again and wait for the result. If it still runs frequently, you should consider changing the switch.
Fault in the Check Valve
This issue may happen because of a fault in the check valve. Let’s know about the check valve first.
When pumping is almost done, the pressure of water in the pump drops, and some water comes back to the motor from the discharge line. This says to the motor that there is still some more water inside. So, it gets started again. The pressure is very low at that time. So, some water comes back again. This is an endless cycle.
The check valve is connected mostly to the discharge line to prevent water from coming back.
If there is no valve or the one installed is faulty, this situation happens and the pump starts and stops automatically and frequently.
So, make sure that your pump has a check valve. In such a situation, check the valve with the help of a professional to ensure that the valve is okay. If not, replace it.
Clogged Inlet Screen
Some sump pump comes with an inlet screen. This is a system that is designed for restricting debris from entering the motor so that it doesn’t get clogged. But sometimes, the screen itself may get clogged.
As a result of this, water flow gets reduced. Even sometimes, it may stop the water flow.
When this happens, the pump struggles to remove the water and can’t do it properly. Thus it has to work for a long time to remove all the water from the basin.
If you maintain the pump properly, you can be safe from such an issue. However, when you feel that the clogged inlet screen is creating the problem, check it, remove the accumulated debris, and then run the pump again.
Blocked Discharge Pipe
An almost similar thing happens when your discharge pipe gets blocked by something. The flow of water reduces and the pump has to struggle to empty the basin. For this reason, it has to keep working frequently.
So, check the discharge line too, and make sure that it is not clogged or blocked by anything. Use any proven method to remove the clog. Take help from professionals if you need it.
Fault in the Drainage System
A sump pump collects water from the sump basin. The basin gathers water from the surroundings. So, if the surroundings have a faulty drainage system that discharges water frequently, the basin gets full easily and your pump has to work frequently to handle the pressure. This is another reason behind the issue.
If you see your pump working frequently but the float switch and check valve are completely okay, keep your eyes on the sump basin. If the basin fills up quickly and frequently, there is a chance that the drainage system has an issue. Also, it may happen because of any fault in any water source. So, check the water sources too.
Building House in a Wrong Place
This is not a common reason behind the problem but not impossible to happen too. Let me explain how it works.
The water table line is the line that expresses the highest level of groundwater in that area. During the rainy season, the table line increases because of rain.
If you pick the wrong place to build your house where the water table line is very close to your basement, it may deliver unlimited water to your sump basin, especially in the rainy season. In such a case, there is nothing you can do. Your basin would fill automatically and the pump would work frequently to empty it.
Final Verdict
To keep the sump pump alive for a long time, you’ll have to keep it running. But if it runs very frequently, that too when there is no water in the basin, it is not good for the pump at all. So, you should get the issue fixed quickly.
Here I’ve talked about the common reasons behind it and discussed the ways to solve them. I think this article is going to help you later if you face such a situation.
Take professional help if you don’t have DIY experience. A wrong step in solving the issue can result in more issues that may cost you more. So, be careful.
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