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Four of the Most Common Basement Sump Pump Problems

sump pump
A sump pump works quietly until the day it doesn’t, and that day is usually a storm. This guide covers the four most common sump pump problems, a simple test, and what to do about each.
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Eugene Kushmarak
EUGENE KUSHMARAK
Please meet Eugene, one of our basement flood experts. He started his career from the bottom, digging trenches, working his way up to contractor and supervisor. More About Eugene
Eugene Kushmarak Published:

Of all the rooms in a house, the basement is the one most likely to suffer water damage. Water can soak furniture and carpets, destroy electronics and feed mold, and it can lead to health problems. Many homeowners rely on a sump pump to deal with it, and for the most part, a pump is an excellent solution. But when a pump stops working, the water builds up fast, and a small problem becomes a flood.

This guide covers the four most common sump pump problems, how to spot each one, how to fix it, and how to test your pump before the next storm.

The short answer: the four common problems are a power cut, a pump that can’t keep up, a frozen discharge pipe and an old pump. A battery backup solves the first, the right size and drainage the second, a clear discharge line the third, and replacement the fourth.

Where the four problems happen

The picture below shows where each problem sits on a typical pump. The sections after it explain each one.

Where the four problems happenBATTERY1234
  • Power. The pump runs on electricity. A power cut stops it, unless a battery backup takes over.
  • Capacity. A pit or a pump that is too small can’t keep up when the water rises fast.
  • Discharge pipe. Water leaves through this pipe. In winter it can freeze, and the water backs up into the pit.
  • Age. A pump is a machine, and it wears out. An old pump can fail without warning.

A simplified picture, not to scale. The dotted line shows a battery backup connected to the pump.

Common issues with sump pumps

1. Power outage

A sump pump runs on electricity, so when the power goes out, it stops, like any other electrical device. That is especially dangerous when the outage comes from a big storm, because water can pour into the basement with nothing to stop it. A battery backup keeps the pump working when the power fails. It typically costs $1,200 to $1,500. See the benefits of a backup sump pump.

2. An overwhelmed pump

Not every pump is built to handle the same amount of water. A pump that is too small for your basement can run constantly during a storm, and it still can’t keep up, so the pit overflows and the floor floods. The right size depends on how much water reaches the pit, and on how well the drainage collects it. A professional sizes the pump to your house. If the water keeps coming, the drainage may need upgrading as well. See what to do if your sump pump overflows and when to upgrade to a dual pump system.

3. Frozen discharge pipe

In a Canadian winter, the pipe that carries the water out of the house can freeze. Then the water from the pump can’t get through, so it flows back into the pit, and the pit can overflow into the basement. A battery backup can’t clear a frozen pipe, so check the discharge end outside, keep it open, and make sure it slopes away from the house. See winter maintenance for your sump pump.

4. An old pump

Like any appliance, a sump pump doesn’t last forever. If a pump isn’t working properly, and the problems above don’t explain it, it has probably reached the end of its life. Replace it before it fails in a storm, not after. A sump pump typically costs $550 to $3,650.

What is your sump pump doing?

If your pump is behaving oddly, the troubleshooter below turns what you notice into a likely cause and a first check. Tap the closest match.

What is your sump pump doing?

Tap the closest match, and get the likely cause and the first check. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

General guidance. Always unplug the pump before you touch it, and stay out of standing water near electricity.

How to test your sump pump

  1. Look first. Make sure the pump is plugged in, and that the pit is clear of debris.
  2. Add water. Tip a bucket of water into the pit, and keep your hands out of it.
  3. Watch the cycle. The float should rise, the pump should start, the water should drop, and the pump should switch off.
  4. Check the discharge. Outside, make sure water is leaving, and carrying away from the house.
  5. Test the backup. Unplug the main pump for a moment, and see that the battery pump starts.

Test it at least twice a year, and before heavy storms or the spring thaw. Regular checks extend the life of a pump, and they show you when repairs are needed. See how often to check your waterproofing.

Other warning signs

  • The pump runs constantly, or turns on and off in short bursts.
  • It is loud, or it vibrates, which points to wear.
  • The pit holds water, but the pump doesn’t start.
  • Rust, or a musty smell, near the pit.

What it costs

A sump pump typically costs $550 to $3,650, and a battery backup $1,200 to $1,500. If water keeps overwhelming the pump, interior waterproofing typically costs $69 to $190 per linear foot, and exterior waterproofing $110 to $500. A backwater valve, which stops sewage from coming back in a storm, typically costs $1,500 to $3,000. In Toronto, the City subsidy may cover part of a pump, a backup or a valve: see our guide to the subsidy. Only a free on-site estimate gives you a number for your house.

How Aquatech helps

We start with a free on-site inspection, test the pump and the discharge, look at the drainage and tell you honestly whether the pump needs repair, replacement or more. Then you get a written, itemized estimate. A lifetime warranty backs every project and transfers to the next owner. If water is coming in now, we answer 24/7: see emergency waterproofing.

FAQs about sump pump problems

Why did my sump pump stop working?
The most common reasons are a power cut, a tripped breaker, a stuck float switch, a frozen or blocked discharge pipe, and age. Check the outlet and the breaker first, then lift the float by hand: if the pump starts, the float is the problem. Always unplug the pump before touching it. If it still doesn’t run, the pump has probably failed. See sump pump installation, and book a free assessment.
How long does a sump pump last?
It depends on the pump, how hard it works and how well it is maintained, so there is no single number. A pump that runs often because of heavy groundwater wears out sooner. Test it twice a year, and replace it when it is noisy, slow or unreliable. See how often to check your waterproofing.
Why does my sump pump run all the time?
Common causes are a float that is stuck, a check valve that has failed so water drains back into the pit, a pit that is too small, or heavy groundwater. A pump that runs constantly will wear out early, so find the cause. A professional can check the float, the valve and the drainage. See what to do if your sump pump overflows.
What if my sump pump discharge pipe freezes?
Clear the ice, or thaw the pipe gently, and never use an open flame. Make sure the end of the pipe is open, and that it slopes away from the house so water doesn’t flow back. A battery backup won’t clear a frozen pipe, so the discharge needs attention as well. See winter maintenance for your sump pump.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If a power cut would let water into your basement, yes. Storms often cut the power at the moment the pit fills, so a backup is cheap protection for a finished or a valuable basement. It typically costs $1,200 to $1,500, and the City subsidy may cover part of it. See battery backup and the Toronto basement flooding subsidy.
Can a sump pump alone keep my basement dry?
Not always. A pump moves the water that reaches the pit, so it relies on drainage to collect the water, and a backup for power cuts. If the water keeps overwhelming it, the drainage or the waterproofing needs work. See the role of drainage systems, and basement waterproofing myths.
How do I know if my pump is big enough?
If it runs constantly in storms and the pit still rises, it is probably too small, or the water inflow is more than one pump can handle. A professional measures the inflow and sizes the pump and the pit, and may recommend a second pump. See when to upgrade to a dual pump system.
Is it safe to touch a sump pump when it isn’t working?
Unplug it first, and never reach into the pit while the pump is connected. Stay out of standing water near electrical outlets, the panel or appliances. If the basement is flooded, call us or an electrician before you go in. See emergency waterproofing.

Is your sump pump ready for the next storm?

Book a free assessment. We will test the pump and the discharge, tell you what it needs, and give you a written, itemized estimate. You can also call 647-794-1701 or 866-620-8492.