6 Signs of Sump Pump Failures: Reasons and What to Do?

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Recognizing the waring signs of sump pump failures helps you to prevent costly basement water damages and sump pump repairs over time. In order to prevent this you should identify the signs of the sump pump failures early. So these are the 6 common and critical sump pump fail signs that you can observe in the basement.

Unusual noise from the sump pump
Sump pump running constantly
Water is not pumped out
Sump pump on and off frequently
Visible rust or corrosion
Excessive vibration or shaking

As waterproofing experts, Aqviz experts have included the reasons for the sump pump failure for each sign and possible actions you can take to prevent water damage in the basement.

1. Unusual Noise from the Sump Pump

If you hear rattling, grinding, or gurgling sounds, it’s a sign something is wrong. Loud noises often indicate mechanical issues that could lead to pump failure because a well functioning sump pump operates with a low hum. So below are the reasons for the unusual noises from the sump pump.

To identify the noises clearly you should know How Does a Sump Pump Work? properly.

What are the reasons for the sump pump noise?

Worn-out or damaged sump pump impeller
Debris clogging in the sump pump
Loose or damaged sump pump motor bearings
Broken or misaligned sump pump components

What to do for unusual sump pump noise?

Inspect the sump pump for visible obstructions and remove any debris.
Check for loose or broken sump pump parts and tighten or replace them if needed.
If the motor is failing or the impeller is damaged, consider replacing the pump.

2. Sump Pump Running Constantly

If you observe your sump pump is not turned off after the pumping process can be a sign of a serious problem. It may be overworking itself, leading to early burnout. These can be the reasons for continuous sump pump running.

What are the reasons for continuously running the sump pump?

Stuck or faulty float switch in the sump pump
Incorrect pump size (too small for the water load)
High groundwater levels or continuous drainage issues
Clogged or frozen discharge line
Faulty check valve causing water to flow back into the pit

What to do if the sump pump runs continuously?

Inspect the float switch and ensure it moves freely and replace if necessary.
Check if the pump size matches your basement’s water load.
Inspect the discharge line for clogs, ice, or blockages and clear them.
Verify the check valve is working properly and replace if defective.

And also you should pay attention to this,

If the pump is continuously running due to high water levels, consider installing a backup sump pump or improving drainage around your foundation.

3. Water is not pumped out

If your sump pump turns on but doesn’t expel water is a sign that your sump pump has been damaged. This can lead to water buildup in your sump pit, increasing the risk of basement flooding. Even though the pump appears operational, the fact that it isn’t removing water means there’s an underlying issue. So below are the reasons for that.

What are the reasons for the sump pump not pumping out?

Dirt, debris, or sediment buildup can obstruct the discharge pipe.
Cold weather can cause ice blockages in the sump pump drain line.
The impeller might be damaged or jammed.
Air pockets in the pipe can prevent the pump from creating enough suction.
A malfunctioning check valve may allow water to flow back into the sump pit.

What to do if the sump pump does not pump water?

Look for any obstructions in the pipe and remove them to restore flow.
Insulate outdoor discharge pipes to keep them from freezing in cold temperatures.
Remove the pump and inspect the impeller for debris, blockages, or damage. Clean or replace if needed.
Drill a small relief hole in the discharge line
Ensure the check valve is functioning
If the pump lacks sufficient power to push water out, upgrading to a higher-capacity model may be necessary.

4. Sump Pump on and off Frequently

If the sump pump rapidly turns on and off can be a sign of a sump pump damage. This affects the motor and shortens the pump’s lifespan, increasing the risk of sudden failure. The constant switching can be annoying and signals an underlying issue. So these are the reasons as per the Aqviz experts,

What are the reasons for the sump pump on off frequently?

Improper float switch position
Small sump pit capacity
Faulty check valve
A failing capacitor or loose wiring can cause erratic pump behavior.
An oversized pump will expel water too quickly, leading to short cycling.

What to do if the sump pump rapidly turns on and off?

Adjust the float switch correctly to allow for a normal water level fluctuation.
Upgrade to a larger sump pit.
Inspect the check valve and Make sure it’s installed properly and functioning to prevent backflow.
Check for electrical issues
Ensure the correct pump size

5. Visible Rust or Corrosion

Rust or corrosion on your sump pump is a warning sign that the unit is deteriorating. While some minor surface rust might not be a big issue, excessive corrosion can lead to mechanical failure. This causes to weaken the pump structure, leading to leaks, electrical hazards, or complete failure when you need it most.

What are the reasons for sump pump corrosion?

High iron bacteria levels in water
Exposure to moisture and minerals in the groundwater
Low-quality pump materials
Chemical reactions due to washing powders and cleaners

What to do if the sump pump rusts and corroded?

Clean the pump regularly to prevent blockages.
Install a water filtration system that helps reduce iron bacteria buildup in your sump pit.
Choose a corrosion-resistant pump. Use a cast-iron, stainless steel, or thermoplastic sump pump.
Protect the pump from chemical exposure by avoiding dumping harsh chemicals into basement drains to prevent deterioration.

6. Excessive Vibration or Shaking

If you notice excessive vibration or shaking in the sump pump it could indicate a serious mechanical issue. Prolonged vibrating or shaking issues cause to components to loosen, misalign, or break, reducing the efficiency of the pump and increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. These are the reasons for the vibrations and shaking of the sump pumps.

What are the reasons for sump pump vibrations?

A bent or unbalanced impeller can cause the pump to vibrate excessively.
Small rocks, dirt, or other debris can make the impeller spin unevenly.
Loose or worn-out bearings
Improper sump pump installation
If the pump isn’t handling water evenly, it can lead to instability and vibrations.

What to do is the sump pump is vibrated?

Turn off the pump immediately
Inspect the impeller for damage
Tighten or replace loose bearings
Ensure the pump is properly positioned
Check for debris in the sump pit

How to Prevent Sump Pump Failure?

You should follow these 7 steps to prevent sump pump failures.

Add a battery backup: Battery backup ensures the sump pump continues operating during power outages.
Add a secondary switch: The secondary switch provides an alternative activation method if the primary sump pump switch fails.
Install a backup pump: The backup sump pump takes over if the primary pump malfunctions or cannot handle excess water.
Set up an alarm system: A sump pump alarm system alerts you to potential pump failures or rising water levels.
Use Wi-Fi or a smart monitoring system: A smart monitoring system allows remote monitoring and notifications of pump performance.
Use Antiflood AI technology: Antiflood AI system predicts failures and optimizes pump performance using smart algorithms.
Use filters in the sump pump: Sump pump filters prevent debris from clogging the pump and causing failure.

Read more: What you should Know about Basement Waterproofing?