7 Signs Your Sump Pump Is About to Fail

Check your pump against this list. One sign on its own isn't always cause for panic, but two or three together mean it's time for a professional look.

1. Strange noises. Grinding, rattling, screeching or loud humming can mean a worn motor bearing, a damaged impeller or debris caught in the pump.
2. It runs constantly. A pump that never shuts off may have a stuck float switch, a failed check valve letting water flow back into the pit, or it may be too small for the amount of water coming in. Constant running burns out the motor.
3. It cycles on and off rapidly. Short bursts, a few seconds at a time, often point to a float switch problem or a faulty check valve.
4. It hums but doesn't pump. The motor is getting power but water isn't moving. The impeller could be jammed, or the intake could be clogged.
5. Visible rust or corrosion. Rust on the pump body, discoloured water in the pit or corroded connections can signal the pump is wearing out or that there's a problem with the battery on a backup system.
6. It's getting old. Sump pumps don't last forever. If yours has been in for many years and you don't know its history, plan for a replacement before it fails.
7. Water around the pit or damp floors nearby. If the floor near the pit is wet after rain, the pump may not be keeping up, or the discharge line may be leaking or blocked.

Testing your pump a couple of times a year, especially before spring, is the easiest way to catch problems early.

1. Make sure the pump is plugged in and that the outlet has power.
2. Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit until the float rises.
3. The pump should start on its own, empty the pit quickly, and shut off once the water drops.
4. Go outside and check that water is coming out of the discharge pipe, and that it's draining away from the house.

If the pump doesn't start, starts but struggles, or makes unusual noises, unplug it before looking into the pit, and call for service. Never reach into a sump pit while the pump is plugged in.

Many sump pump problems come down to a few common causes:

• A float switch that gets stuck on the side of the pit or tangled in the cord.
• Debris like gravel, silt or small objects clogging the intake screen.
• A frozen or blocked discharge line outside, which is common in Pickering winters if the line isn't sloped properly or ends where snow piles up.
• A failed check valve, which lets pumped water fall back into the pit.
• Power loss during a storm, which is why backup systems matter.

Some of these are quick fixes. Others, like a worn motor, mean the pump should be replaced.

The storms most likely to flood a basement are often the same storms that knock out power. A standard pump can't run without electricity, so many homeowners add a battery backup pump that takes over automatically. Some systems also include an alarm that sounds if water rises too high in the pit.

If your basement is finished, or you've had water in it before, a backup is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make. Some municipalities offer subsidies for flood protection equipment, and programs change over time, so check with the City of Pickering or the Region of Durham before you buy.

If the pump is relatively new and the issue is a stuck float, a clogged intake or a bad check valve, a repair often makes sense. If the motor is failing, the pump is old, or it simply can't keep up with the water coming in, replacement is usually the better choice. A plumber can also check whether the pit, discharge line and check valve are set up properly, since a good pump in a poor setup won't perform well.

Our sump pump installation and repair service covers testing, repairs, replacements and battery backups. Newer neighbourhoods like Seaton rely heavily on sump pumps, and first-time owners are often surprised how often theirs runs in spring.

For full protection, pair a working sump pump with a backwater valve, which stops sewer backups, a different kind of flooding. Our basement flooding guide explains the difference.

If the pit is filling and the pump won't run, check the breaker and the plug first. If it has power and still won't pump, call for emergency help. While you wait, keep everyone away from water near electrical outlets, move valuables up off the floor, and, if you have one, use a wet vac to keep the water level down. Our emergency plumbing line is open 24/7.

How often should my sump pump run? It depends on the weather and the groundwater around your home. In spring or after heavy rain, it's normal for a pump to run often. If it runs constantly in dry weather, or never runs even after a big storm, something may be wrong with the float, the check valve, or the pump itself.

Where should the discharge water go? Away from your foundation, onto ground that slopes away from the house, and not onto a neighbour's property or a sidewalk where it can freeze. Some municipalities have rules about where sump water can drain, so check with the City of Pickering or the Region of Durham if you're unsure.

Can I replace a sump pump myself? Some handy homeowners do, but getting the check valve, discharge line and float clearance right matters. A poorly installed pump can cycle too often, burn out early or fail to keep up. If you're not confident, have a plumber do it.

Does a sump pump need maintenance? Yes. Test it a couple of times a year, keep the pit free of debris, check that the discharge line is clear, and replace the battery in a backup system as the manufacturer recommends.