It’s perfectly normal for a sump pump pit to always have some water in it. This water can be the result of rain, snowmelt, or seepage from the ground. That being said, when the water rises to a certain level, this should trigger your sump pump’s float switch. This will cause the pump to turn on and start working.

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

A sump pump that is always full means there is either a continuous flow of water into the pit or a pump malfunction. A high water table, partially blocked discharge lines, or burst pipes can all cause a constant flow into the pump pit: If the water table is too high, raising the sump pit can help.

How high should the water be in a sump pump?





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

How do I know if something is wrong with my sump pump?

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump

  1. Makes strange noises. Sounds coming from your pump can indicate worn or damaged parts. …
  2. Vibrates Excessively when Running. …
  3. Infrequent Pump Usage. …
  4. Runs All the Time. …
  5. Irregular Cycling. …
  6. It Runs for a Long Time. …
  7. Visible Rust. …
  8. Seven Years Old or Older.

Why is my sump pump running with no rain?

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.

Is it normal to hear water running in sump pump?

Sump pumps can also make noises that are anything but normal. If you hear any of these sounds coming from the sump pump in your basement, turn it off and call an expert right away. Slurping: Sump pumps often make this sound when the pre-set shut-off height for the pump isn’t correctly set.

How do you unclog a sump pump drain pipe?





Avoid pulling up on the float switch or power cord. Remove the drain pipe by loosening the clamps that attach the pipe to the sump pump. Use a plumber snake or a metal hanger wire to push any blockage through the pipe. Use a hose (higher pressure, if possible) to flush the pipe and clean the inside walls.

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 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.

How often should a sump pump kick on?

Assuming your sump pump is in good normal operating condition, it should only run when the water level activates that float switch. Depending on your location, it’s not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day.

Is it normal for a sump pump to run every 3 minutes?

So, depending on the amount of water in the area, there may be times that it will run either continuously for a while or run every few minutes. It just depends on the amount and continuity of the water that is flowing into the pit where the pump is located.

What does a failing sump pump sound like?



Normally the only sound a sump pump makes is a low continuous hum, but if it starts making loud and unusual noises, then it’s time for a repair. A rattling or grinding noise can indicate something wrong with the impeller or fan. Failure to turn on.

How do I lower my sump pump flow?

If you just want to limit flow through your sump, throttle back on the return pumps output back to the display. This is reduce the amount of water into the display, thereby, reducing the amount of water through your overflow and back into the sump.

What happens when too much flow is allowed through a pump?

Pumping other substances such as hot water or hydrocarbons may cause damage to the pump if flow is restricted too much. Pumping some materials such as blood may be sensitive to impeller RPM. Other products such as concrete or peanut butter may be sensitive to pressure.

What happens when a pump Cavitates?

Cavitation occurs when the liquid in a pump turns to a vapor at low pressure. It occurs because there is not enough pressure at the suction end of the pump, or insufficient Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa). When cavitation takes place, air bubbles are created at low pressure.

Can you restrict the flow of a submersible pump?



There’s no difference between restricting the flow by using a valve on the output and restricting the flow by having to pump the water higher. Both just increase the head pressure and won’t damage the pump. Restricting flow by putting a valve on the input can cause cavitation, which can damage the pump.