In most cases, short cycling is a symptom of a fault in your pump’s float switch—a device which floats on the surface of the water in your sump basin and then turns your pump on when the water reaches a particular level.

Is it normal for a sump pump to run continuously during heavy rain?

In most cases, it’s perfectly normal for a sump pump to run constantly after heavy rain, often for 2 or 3 days in a row. Obviously, during periods of heavy rain, there’s a whole bunch of water falling on the surface of the ground very quickly, and that water has to go somewhere.

Why does my sump pump keep kicking on and off?





The sump pump’s check valve may not be working properly or is broken. If the check valve is malfunctioning, the water it normally discharges into the outlet pipe washes back into the sump pit, thus reactivating the float valve and the pump. This causes your sump pump to continue working.

Why am I getting so much water in my sump pump?

A faulty check valve is one of the most common reasons behind water constantly running into the sump pump. In case this happens, the check valve will have to be replaced or repaired, and you can’t count on the pump working properly until you complete this step.

Do sump pumps cycle?

Most sump pumps are sitting in a sump basin, so they collect the same amount of water every time. Once the water rises, the pump turns on and pumps out the water in the basin, then it turns off. So the pump is actually pumping out the same amount of water every time it cycles.

How often should sump pump run during heavy rain?

two to three days





How long should a sump pump run after heavy rain? It’s normal for sump pumps to run two to three days after heavy rain.

Is it normal for sump pump to run every 5 minutes?

It is not normal for a sump pump to run constantly. If your sump pump runs every minute and you are not experiencing a large increase in the water table in your area, then this points to something being wrong with your pump.

Why is my sump pump going off every 30 seconds?

The usual cause is the power cord has become tangled in the float switch’s path, preventing it from operating normally. More often, the cord blocks the float switch from ever turning on at all, effectively sidelining your sump pump and allowing your basement to flood. Check the power cord by tracing its path.

Is it bad for a sump pump to run continuously?

A sump pump that runs constantly will wear out quickly and be more susceptible to malfunctions. If the pump continuously operates when there’s no water in the pit, it’s also more likely to overheat. Any type of sump pump failure leaves your basement vulnerable to flooding and extensive water damage.

Why does sump pump run when it’s not raining?



The most common reason for your sump pumps keeps running while it is not raining is an increase in groundwater. Groundwater can come from many sources like nearby rivers or lakes, a broken pipe or nearby construction.

How do I know if my sump pump is going bad?

Sounds coming from your pump can indicate worn or damaged parts. If the motor noise from your sump pump is excessive, the motor could have a failed bearing. Rattling or grinding noises may mean a jammed or damaged impeller, the fan on the bottom that pulls water into the pump.

What is the average life expectancy of a sump pump?

about 10 years



Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

How high should water level be in sump pit?

The water should not be that high in the sump. It should be down to around the 2-3″ level inside.

Why are there 2 sump pumps in my basement?

The reason for 2 sump pumps per pit is to ensure you have a fail-safe in case the first one, or your home’s power fails. Now, if you have a whole-home generator, the battery backup can be replaced with a secondary Primary Sump Pump.