You’re lying in bed, the house is quiet, and then you hear it again.
“Hummmm. Click. Hummmm. Click. Click.”
Your sump pump has been running all evening. Maybe it shuts off for a minute or two, but before long, it starts right back up.
That can be pretty normal during a heavy spring thaw or a stretch of wet weather here in Alaska. But if the pump never seems to catch a break, it’s worth figuring out why. A sump pump that runs constantly can wear itself out, run up your electric bill, or leave you without protection when you need it most.
1. Start With What’s Happening Outside
A common Alaska scenario is a warm stretch during breakup season. Snow starts melting around the house, but the ground below is still frozen. Instead of soaking into the soil, that water can collect around the foundation and make its way into the sump pit.
If water is steadily flowing into the pit and the pump is keeping up with it, the pump may simply be doing its job. That does not necessarily mean something is broken.
Still, if it has been running for hours or cycling on and off every couple of minutes, it is a good idea to take a closer look.
2. Check the Discharge Line
The discharge line carries water from the sump pit to the outside of the home. If that line is frozen, clogged, crushed, or buried under packed snow, the pump may run longer because it cannot move water out efficiently. Take a look at the end of the line outside and check for:
- Ice or snow blocking the opening
- Mud, leaves, or other debris
- Cracked, disconnected, or flattened pipe
- Water draining back toward the foundation
The line should carry water far enough away that it does not flow right back toward the house. Otherwise, your pump may end up handling the same water more than once.
If the pipe appears frozen, do not start pouring boiling water on it or beating on it with whatever is handy in the garage. That can damage the pipe and turn one problem into two.
3. Make Sure the Float Switch Is Not Stuck
The float switch tells the pump when to turn on and off. As the water level rises, the float lifts and starts the pump. When the water level drops, the float should lower and shut it off.
Sometimes the float gets stuck against the wall of the pit, tangled in a cord, or blocked by debris. When that happens, the pump may continue running even when most of the water is gone. Turn off the power before checking anything inside the pit. Make sure the float can move freely and is not catching on anything.
4. Listen for Water Flowing Back Into the Pit
After the pump shuts off, listen for water running back into the sump pit. A small amount may be normal, but if a large amount comes rushing back in, the check valve may not be working properly. The check valve is supposed to keep pumped water from flowing backward through the discharge pipe.
When it fails, the pump sends the water out, the water falls back in, and the pump has to start all over again.
5. Look at the Water Level
If the pump is running but the water level is not dropping, there may be a blocked discharge line, a damaged pump, or more water entering the pit than the system can handle.
If the pit is nearly empty but the pump keeps running, the float switch may be stuck or the pump controls may be failing. Neither situation is something to ignore for long.
6. Truthfully…The Pump May Be Wearing Out
An older sump pump can still turn on but may not move water as quickly as it once did. That means longer run times and more wear on the motor.
Grinding, rattling, humming, or repeated clicking are all signs that the pump should be inspected. You should also pay attention if the motor feels unusually hot or gives off a burning smell.
If you do not know how old the pump is, that is another good reason to have it checked. A sump pump usually does not give much notice before it decides it is done working.
Unsure? Call Us.
Call our team if:
- The water level keeps rising while the pump is running
- The pump will not shut off after the pit empties
- The discharge line is frozen or blocked
- The breaker keeps tripping
- The pump is making unusual noises
- You notice water entering your basement or crawlspace
- The system has been running constantly, and you are not sure why
Sometimes the fix is as simple as freeing up a stuck float or clearing a discharge issue. Other times, the pump is worn out, undersized, or dealing with a larger drainage problem.
Our team can check the entire setup, including the pump, float, check valve, pit, and discharge line. We will figure out why it keeps running and let you know what actually needs to be fixed.
If your sump pump has been working overtime, give AK Sewer & Drain a call before it quits altogether.