A sump pump runs constantly when there is a lot of groundwater, the float switch is stuck in the on position, the check valve has failed, or the pump is too small for the job. Some of these are normal after heavy rain. Others mean the pump needs repair.
High Groundwater After Storms
After long rains or snowmelt, the ground around your foundation can stay soaked for days. Homes in low-lying parts of Staten Island may see more groundwater than others. In these cases, a pump that runs often may just be doing its job. If it keeps running long after the weather clears, something else may be wrong.
A Stuck Float Switch
The float tells the pump when to turn on and off. If it gets stuck in the up position, caught on the pit wall, the cord, or debris, the pump may run even when the pit is empty. Running without water can overheat the motor.
A Failed Check Valve
The check valve keeps pumped water from falling back into the pit. If it breaks, water drains back down each time the pump stops. The pump then turns on again and again, moving the same water over and over.
A Pump That Cannot Keep Up
A pump that is too small, or one that has lost power with age, may run nonstop and still fall behind during heavy rain. Water that drains too close to the house can also soak back into the soil and return to the pit.
Watch for warning signs like a hot pump housing, a burning smell, or a pump that cycles every few seconds. These mean the pump is under strain and could fail soon.
If your pump seems to run all the time, the float, check valve, and motor can be tested and fix the cause.
If your sump pump will not stop running, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. Once it is fixed, checking the rest of the space for moisture problems can help keep your basement dry.