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5 Reasons Your Sump Pump Keeps Running

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Purchasing a sump pump is definitely a worthwhile investment. It helps you get rid of the problem of basement flooding by creating a way through which water entering your home gets out automatically. But despite their reliability and simple design, sump often pumps malfunction.

One of the things that can shorten the lifespan of your sump pump is failing to shut it off after use. Besides, a continuously running sump pump can also raise your monthly electricity bill. It is important to ensure that you always shut down your sump pump after use and understand other reasons to keep your pump running even if not in use.

Below are five common reasons your sump pump keeps running:

1. Damaged check valve or lack of it

Sump pumps are basically designed to go off automatically after finishing their work. A check valve is one of the most important components that ensure water doesn’t return to the pan when the pump goes off. If your pump doesn’t have a check valve, you can be sure that almost two-thirds of the water will flow back when the motor deactivates.

Major signs that there’s a problem with the check valve is its visible absence of constant stopping and restarting of the motor.

2. An improperly-sized pump

Another major reason why a sump pump will constantly stop and restart is improper sizing. If a pan liner is too small, then the pan will frequently empty the pan much faster than it can fill. This is what causes the motor to start and stop constantly. The best solution to this problem is to replace the overt-sized pump with a sized one. You should also ensure that the element is fixed by a professional or someone who understands how the pump works.

3. Damaged impeller

An impeller is another crucial component of a sump pump. It is the one that creates suction that siphons water from the sump pan. Things such as grit, sand, and other debris can deplete the vanes, particularly within the pedestal pumps. But the good news is that some types of pumps contain metals valves that are resistant to corrosion. In case your impeller gets damaged, there’s no option but to replace it.

4. Water table levels

In some cases, natural underground water may be the reason why your pump keeps running. Sump pumps are usually put underneath the basement to avoid flooding. But in some cases, the sump pump can be placed lower where they are affected by local water tables. The best solution for this problem is to raise the pump to a higher position.

5. Jammed pump switch

There are different scenarios where a jump switch may jam, e.g., tangling and clogging. Extended use of the pump may also result in vibrations that cause the unit to start tilting, thus affecting the normal functioning of the switch. You should seek a professional to repair the damaged switch.

In general, a sump pump plays a big role in preventing floodwater from entering your home. However, it should ensure that it is functioning properly for better results.