There’s nothing more concerning than hearing your sump pump kick on when there’s no precipitation outside. Therefore, it’s understandable to have concerns when you hear the familiar hum from your basement, particularly during periods of extreme dryness. It’s normal for red flags to rise, as a constantly running sump pump usually indicates something isn’t quite right.
At WaterWork Plumbing, we know that a sump pump running excessively can lead to wasted energy, increased wear and tear, and even premature failure. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to answer the question, “Why is my sump pump running when it’s not raining?” to help break down the most common issues.
From mechanical malfunctions to high groundwater levels…let’s get into all the sump pump basics, including why your sump pump might be running more than usual and who to call for sump pump repair Detroit!
The Basics of Sump Pumps
Before we get into the causes of running sump pumps, it’s important to understand what they are and their primary function. At their core, sump pumps are an essential piece of plumbing equipment that protects homes from water damage. They’re typically installed in the lowest points of the home, such as crawl spaces or basements. Placed in a specially constructed pit, called a sump basin, sump pumps automatically pump out accumulated groundwater before it can rise to floor level. This prevents damage from occurring.
When water reaches a certain height, you’ll hear the sump pump kick on, activated by a float switch, to automatically pump out the water through discharge pipes to the exterior of the home. Sump pumps are especially important in areas with high water tables, flood-prone regions, or homes where basement flooding is a concern.
The Top Causes of Sump Pumps Running Constantly
As you can tell from the definition, if your sump pump is running constantly (especially without heavy periods of rain!), it’s likely abnormal. So, if you hear your sump pump running more than usual, here are some of the most common causes.
- Elevated Groundwater Levels
Just because it hasn’t rained doesn’t mean that the groundwater levels could be higher than normal due to another issue. In the north or in coastal areas, this could be thanks to a spring thaw or other melting conditions that’ll keep your pump running more than normal. Imagine it as an underground river that continues to flow as the snow melts.
New construction in your neighborhood can also change local water tables, and even a neighbor’s landscape project could too. Keep these things in mind when assessing whether groundwater could be the culprit, or consider recommended exterior solutions to improve drainage altogether.
- Float Switch Malfunction
If an elevated door keeps opening and closing on it’s own, it’s probably thanks to its “switch” or button malfunctioning. The same goes for a sump pump running constantly – it could be the float switch that’s acting awry. This little device tells your pump when to turn on and off when it reaches a certain level of water. When it’s stuck, your pump won’t know to shut off.
Luckily, a quick inspection can usually reveal if this is your culprit. However, it’s crucial to understand that various factors can cause float switches to become stuck. Occasionally it’s just from debris, but it could be from a mineral buildup or damage from power surges. It’s best to have a professional check out the situation, just to be safe.
- Plumbing System Leaks
Sometimes groundwater levels, or excess water in the sump basin, can come from issues with the internal plumbing system. Often, a mystery pump problem can be caused by a sneaky pipe leak feeding water into the pit. From washing machine connections to water heater lines, even a tiny drip can add up to big pump action over time.
Here’s a shocking fact: a leak as small as one drip per second can add up to over 3,000 gallons yearly! That’s why it’s always best to have a professional technician perform a comprehensive leak check when troubleshooting an overactive sump pump. The repair could be as simple as replacing a worn-out washer somewhere along the pipe or tightening a connection.
- Condensation Concerns
Warm air in a cool basement can quickly turn into condensation. If your basement becomes humid enough, moisture can actually accumulate in your sump pit. Meaning, your pump is simply doing it’s job but working overtime for a reason that could be avoided. Installing a simple dehumidifier or improving your basement’s ventilation.
- Improper Drainage Configuration
Sometimes the issue isn’t with your pump at all – it’s with your yard. If your property slopes toward your house, you’re basically creating a water slide straight into your sump pit. Not exactly what you want!
The good news? This is often fixable with some strategic landscaping. Plumbers often work in tandem with landscapers to recommend the proper grading solutions that will keep water flowing away from your foundation instead of toward it.
- Check Valve Functionality
One often-overlooked hero in your sump pump system is the check valve. This little device prevents water from flowing back into your pit after the pump runs. When it fails, you get a never-ending cycle of the same water being pumped out and flowing right back in—talk about a waste of energy!
Sump Pump Repair Detroit: Who to Call
Now that you know what sump pumps are, how they’re supposed to work, and what it could mean if your sump pump is running more than usual… you know what to do. Get in touch with a plumber you trust to schedule ongoing annual or biannual inspections of this important piece of equipment.
Have no fear…WaterWork Plumbing’s sump pump experts are here! In business since 2006, our residential and commercial plumbing experts offer exemplary service for emergency sump pump repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Get in touch with our team now to schedule an appointment, or check out our complete collection of resources to learn more.
