A sump pump that runs but does not remove water usually has a blocked intake, a jammed impeller, a failed check valve, or a clogged or frozen discharge line. In each case, the motor is working, but water is not leaving the pit.
Blocked Intake or Jammed Impeller
Silt, gravel, and debris can collect at the bottom of the pit. They can clog the intake screen or get stuck in the impeller, the part that pushes water out. The pump may hum or run but move very little water.
Check Valve Problems
The check valve on the discharge pipe keeps water from flowing back into the pit. If it fails or was put in backward, water drains back each time the pump shuts off. The pump keeps running without making progress.
Discharge Line, Air Lock, and Pump Size
The discharge line carries water outside. If it is clogged with debris, crushed, or frozen in winter, the water has nowhere to go. Check that the outdoor end is not buried in snow, leaves, or soil.
Sometimes air gets trapped inside the pump, which stops it from moving water. Many pumps have a small weep hole to prevent this, and that hole can clog.
An older or undersized pump may not keep up during heavy rain, even if it runs nonstop. Motors also lose strength with age.
What to Do
If the pump keeps running and the water keeps rising, stay away from the water and any cords. A motor that runs nonstop can overheat and fail. We explain how a plumber tests each part of the pump to find the problem.
JPR Plumbing can find out why your pump is not moving water and fix the cause. Afterward, regular checks before the rainy season help keep the float, valve, and discharge line in good shape. Call (833) 603-1840 to set up a visit.