Why is My Sump Pump Running?

It’s that time of year that people start being a little “sump pump paranoid” – ears cocked to the slightest noise, especially when it is raining. They strain to hear that motor kick in so they can be sure there won’t be an unpleasant basement surprise in the form of a flood. That sound can be the source of huge relief. But what if you hear it when it isn’t raining? Why is your sump pump running when it’s seemingly dry? 

It’s only seemingly dry 

Just because it is sunny and cloudless today, that doesn’t mean that down in the ground, where your sump pump is drawing water, is dry. When we get a spring rainstorm, the water table can remain elevated for a few days. There can also be a nearby source of water overflow or another issue causing the water table to rise. If you have a small sump pump for the size of your space, it can also take longer than you might think to clear that water.  

The float is stuck or broken 

If your sump is running constantly, especially if it isn’t raining, you should have a look to see if anything is wrong. The switch that tells your pump whether it needs to be running is triggered by a float that detects the water level. Sometimes that float gets stuck on the sides in the “on” position, communicating to the pump that it needs to run. If it is just stuck, you can easily fix that by gently freeing the float; if water is below the trigger level, that should shut the pump off. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.  

The drain is blocked 

The water your sump pump moves away from your basement isn’t always the cleanest. Dirt and debris can build up and clog your drain. Additionally, the hose leading water away from your house can become clogged. If you can see the clog and clear it manually, that will help the water exit the system and the pump will continue working. If you can’t see the clog but water discharge is laboured, you’ll have to call a licensed plumbing professional to help you clear it.  

Monitoring your sump pump shouldn’t be a full-time job, but as anyone who has experienced a flood before can attest, sometimes “sump pump watch” becomes a habit. If yours is running more than it should, consider these reasons why. And if you are still concerned, now is a great time to have someone come out and look over your system to make sure it works when you need it!