Sump Pump Failure: Reasons, Signs, Detection and Fixing

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Sump pump failure is a severe problem in the basement. The sump pump failure is defined as the sump pump not functioning properly enough to remove the accumulated water in the sump basin. When a sump pump fails, it makes strange noises, does not work properly, trips the circuit breaker, floods the basement, causes corrosion or rust in the pump, and is frequently on and off.

A sump pump can fail due to power issues, float switch malfunction, clogged pump or discharged line, overworked sump pump, and improper pump installations. You can detect sump pump failures from strange noises, frequent cyclings, water level and pump activation, basement flooding, and excessive heat generation from the pump.

You can fix the sump pump failure by checking the power source, inspecting the float switch, clearing clogs, and testing the pump manually after the pump is fixed. You should maintain a sump pump properly to keep its operations properly.

What is the Meaning of Sump Pump Failure?

The meaning of sump pump failure is stopping the water removing from the catch basin on time. A sump pump can fail due to power issues or mechanical issues; sump pump failure can cause negative impacts such as basement flooding, mould and mildew growth, foundation damage, increased risk of electrical damage, and reduced property value.

What are the Signs of Sump Pump Failures?

These are the 6 signs of sump pump failures. When you observe one of these signs, you should check the sump pump and ensure it functions properly. Then, take immediate action to prevent water problems in the basement.

Strange noises: If the sump pump makes a loud, unusual noise such as grinding, rattling or clucking, it indicates a mechanical failure in the sump pump. Strange noises can be heard from the vicinity of the sump pit when the pump is running.
The pump is not working: If the pump is not working even when the water is present in the sump pit, it indicates a failure of the sump pump. This can be identified by checking the sump pit at any time.
Tripped circuit breaker: If the circuit breaker that powers the sump pump keeps tripping, it indicates a sump pump failure, such as a short circuit in the pump or wiring, or the pump is overloaded. You can identify this sign by checking a home circuit breaker panel.
Flooding the Basement: Basement flooding indicates that the sump pump is not removing fast or has stopped working due to a sump pump failure. Basement flooding can mainly occur during heavy rain or periods of high groundwater.
Corrosion or Rust in the Pump: Visible rust or corrosion on the pump or around the sump pit indicates sump pump failures, such as the life span of the sump pump being finished. You can identify the rust on the pump and around the sump pit.
Frequent Cycling: If the sump pump turns on or off frequently, it indicates a signal of pump failure due to power supply problem. This can mainly happen during heavy rain or periods of high groundwater.

What are the Reasons for Sump Pump Failures?

A sump pump can be failed due to these 5 reasons such as power issue, float switch malfunctions, clogged pump or discharged line, over work sump pump, or improper installations.

Power issues: A sump pump can fail due to power issues such as power outages, tripped circuit breakers, or faulty wiring can prevent the pump from turning on and damage the internal parts of the sump pump, leading to sump pump failures.
Float switch malfunction: A sump pump can fail due to float switch malfunctions. When there is a problem in the float switch, sump pump will not active based on the water level in the sump.
Clogged pump or discharged line: A sump pump can fail due to clogs on the pumps or discharged lines. This can happen due to dirt, debris, leaves or mineral buildup in the pump. Clogs can slow down the water flow rate from the sump pump, causing sump pump failures such as daming inter-parts and the motor’s rate.
Overworked sump pump: A sump pump can fail when a small capacity pump is used for heavy ground water accumulations. It tends to overwork the pump and burn out and overheat easily.
Improper installation: A sump pump can fail due to poor installation. A poorly installed sump pump may not be positioned correctly. Improper installation can cause sump pump failures such as overheating burnout and reduce the water flow rate.

How to Detect Sump Pump Failure?

You can detect sump pump failure by following 6 observations. Once you detect a sump pump failure you should take an immediate action to fix it.

Listen for strange noises: The users can detect strange noises from the broken or failed sump pump. You can hear unusual noises such as grinding, rattling, or clucking from the sump pump pit indicate a problem in the motor, bearing, or impeller.
Check for frequent cycling: The users can detect frequent cycling by observation. If the sump pump turns on and off constantly, even when the water rises in the sump pump, it indicates a malfunctioning float switch or the pump size is not suitable for the basement.
Inspect water level and pump activation: The users can identify the water level by observation. If the pump is not turing on even when the water is in the sump pit, it indicates an issue with the float switch, power supply or the pump itself.
Signs of basement flooding: Users can identify a sump pump through the basement flooding. Basement flooding indicates that the sump pump is not properly removed from the sump pit and that there’s a malfunction in the sump pump.
Excessive heat: The users can detect the sump pump mechanical failures of excessive heat by touch. If the pump feels hot to touch during operation, it could be overloaded, indicating a sump pump failure in inter-parts.

How to Fix Sump Pump Failure?

You can fix sump pump failures by following these 4 steps such as checking the power sources, inspecting the float switch, clearing the clogs and testing the pump manually.

Check the power source: First, check the circuit breaker panel and check whether the sump pump has been stripped using a flashlight. Ensure the sump pump is plugged in and the outlet is functioning.
Inspect the float switch: Next you should inspect the functionality of the float switch using a flashlight and screwdriver. If the float switch is stuck in the on or off position, you can free it manually. If the float switch is visibly damaged, it needs to be replaced.
Clear clogs: You should clear the clogs on the intake screen, impeller, and discharge lines. To clean the intake screen, you should disconnect the power and remove the screen for cleaning using a bucket. You should consult your pump’s manual for instructions on how to clean the impeller. To clean the discharging lines, disconnect the pump, check for clogs and clean them using a garden hose.
Test the pump manually: You should pour a bucket of water into the sump pit after fixing the issue. The pump should turn on and discharge the water. If it doesn’t work out, there must be an electrical issue.

How to Maintain a Sump Pump Properly?

These are the 6 ways to maintain a sump pump properly.

Install a battery backup system for the sump pump
Test the sump pump before the heavy rain season
Clean the pump intake screen and sump pump pit regularly
Inspect for signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks around the sump pump pit.
Check for abnormal noises generated from the sump pump occasionally.
Check the sump pump system by a qualified plumber annually.

What are the Water Damages Due to Sump Pump Failure?

When a sump pump is failed it causes many water damages in the house. These are the 6 severe water damages due to sump pump failures.

Damaged belongings and furniture due to the accumulation of standing water
Structural damages such as leaks, cracks, weakening of the support beams, and creating instability.
Increased mold and mildew growth in the basement. It causes respiratory issues, irritates allergies and causes health issues.
Electrical issues can cause short circuits and fire hazards.
Issues in the HAVC system.
Reduce the property value.