How Often Should a Sump Pump Run?

Are you noticing your sump pump running more often than normal? If you're concerned, you're probably wondering, "How often should a sump pump run?"

As an expert plumber in Chaska, MN, Babe Plumbing knows all the nuances of sump pumps. Keep reading to understand everything you should know about them, including when you should call for help.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small device capable of running under water that helps prevent flooding in your basement. It's usually located in a small pit cut into your basement floor. When sanitary sewer overflow or other sources of water start flooding your basement, the sump pump activates and pumps the water out.

Depending on the size and type of your sump pump, it may have special power requirements or need a dedicated circuit to prevent shocks or overloads.

How It Works

Your sump pump works by responding to the water level in your basement. Because it sits in a small well below the floor of your basement, the water naturally runs toward it. As the water fills up, a float device, much like the one in your toilet tank, rises.

Once the float reaches a certain level, it activates the pump, which then forces the water through a tube or pipe and out of your home.

How Often Should It Run?

How often should a sump pump run? Even though your pump should always remain on standby, on a normal, dry day it shouldn't ever activate. On days with excessive rain, or if your home sits below the water table, it might run two or three times a day for a few minutes.

Basically, if your basement is dry, your sump pump shouldn't run.

Troubleshooting Excessive Running

If your sump pump runs too often, it's likely one of the following mechanical problems. While you can use certain signs to determine the problem, only a professional plumber can safely and accurately diagnose and fix the issue.

Broken Float Switch

The float switch is the adjustable lever that activates the pump when the water levels rise. Several issues can cause the float switch to activate early, including clogs, debris build-up, and breakages. Sometimes, it can even force the switch to stay in the on position, which means the pump will run constantly.

Inadequate Power

If your sump pump is too small for your home, it will run more often or longer than you need. Investing in a larger sump pump will require an upfront investment, but it will prevent the costs associated with water damage. With an appropriately sized sump pump, you'll also notice lower electricity bills because it won't run constantly.

A plumber can help you determine the right size sump pump for your home.

Faulty Check Valve

A check valve ensures the water exiting your home only runs in one direction. In other words, it prevents the water draining from the basement from returning back into the sump pump.

With a broken valve, the water can enter back into the sump pump, forcing it to continually pump water and preventing it from shutting off.

Excessive Water Filtration

If you have a large amount of water filtering into your home, it can force your sump pump to run more frequently than normal. The most frequent situations where this occurs are the following:

• High water table: The water table is the elevation at which the ground becomes saturated with water. If your basement sits below this point, you'll likely experience a lot of water filtering into your home, which means your sump pump will run more often.
• Melting snow: If you live in an area of heavy snowfall, the water might enter your home in the spring when it melts. If your sump pump has to work overtime to deal with it, it doesn't mean it's broken.
• Excessive rain: Another time when it's appropriate for your sump pump to run more frequently or for longer is during periods of heavy rain.

Clogs

The discharge line is the tube responsible for transporting the pumped water out of your home, but it's vulnerable to both clogs and freezing in cold temperatures. Much like a broken check valve, a clogged drain line means the water enters back into the sump pump and forces it to stay on.

Protecting Your Sump Pump

How can you maintain your sump pump to avoid these common issues?

Annual Maintenance

You should schedule professional maintenance for your sump pump at least once a year. Most professionals suggest scheduling the maintenance for early winter to ensure it's ready to handle the onslaught of water when the snow melts.

During the maintenance, your plumber will test the pump's ability to drain water, unplug and clean it, and identify any necessary repairs.

Regular Inspection

You should inspect your sump pump every three to four months to ensure it's working as intended and to identify potential problems early. While a professional plumber is the best option for the inspection, you can look for the following yourself:

• Signs of corrosion or external damage
• Obstructions, like debris or ice, in the pit surrounding the sump pump
• Determine whether the sump pump drains correctly by pouring five gallons of water into the pit

Occasional Cleaning

You should clean your sump pump at least once a year, and while maintenance is the easiest time to do it, some homeowners do it at other times. While you could clean your sump pump yourself, if you do it incorrectly, you could cause more damage or even risk hurting yourself. A professional plumber can do it quickly and affordably.

Contact Your Local Plumbers for Help

Now you know the answer to, "How often should a sump pump run?" If you suspect your sump pump has an issue, you want a plumber you can trust for a quality fix.

Babe Plumbing employs qualified and professional plumbers who can fix any type or size of sump pump. Whether your drain makes a gurgling sound or water is flooding your basement, we can help.

To book an appointment, call (507) 443-3427 today.