You probably don’t think much about your sump pump when it’s working, but once it stops doing its job, signs like strange sounds or standing water show up fast and in ways you won’t appreciate. At Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas in Twin Peaks, Canada, we have seen it all and can help you catch problems before they result in a floor full of water. Let’s walk through what sump pump failure looks like and what you can do next.
Strange Sounds That Signal Trouble
If your sump pump starts sounding different than it used to, it might be trying to tell you something. A pump that grinds, rattles, or squeals isn’t just annoying. Those sounds often point to internal parts that have worn down or shifted. You might hear the motor struggle against resistance or the impeller dragging against debris. Either way, a pump that makes loud or unusual noises won’t work efficiently. The problem might be mechanical, or it might be electrical. But what matters is that the noise isn’t normal.
When the Pump Starts But Won’t Stay Running
Sometimes, the pump kicks on like it should but shuts down before it finishes the job. That can be frustrating, especially when you still see water in the pit and you’ve heard the motor hum just seconds earlier. This problem might come from a faulty float switch. The float tells the pump to turn on, and if it sticks or resets too quickly, the pump shuts off before it should.
Another reason this might happen is overheating. If your pump isn’t sized properly for the amount of water coming in, it can run too hard or too fast. That strain triggers internal thermal protection, which stops the pump mid-cycle. It might start again later, but the water level will have already risen by then, and the pump will be behind. A pump that starts but stops too early isn’t protecting your basement the way it should. That inconsistent cycle leads to backup, moisture buildup, and in some cases, flooding you thought you had protection against.
The Pump Runs But the Water Doesn’t Go Down
If you’ve ever heard your sump pump running but still had water sitting in the pit, that’s a red flag. A pump that runs but doesn’t move water could be due to a blocked discharge pipe or a broken impeller. The motor may sound fine, and the float might rise like it should, but the water just sits there. That’s because the mechanism that moves the water has stopped working, even if everything else looks like it’s doing its job.
Pumps that can’t discharge properly often have trouble during peak conditions, especially when heavy rainfall or snowmelt fills the pit faster than usual. When you notice the water hasn’t gone down, it might already be close to spilling over. It’s worth checking the outside pipe and making sure nothing is frozen or clogged. Don’t try to fix the internal components yourself, though. The risk of shock or further damage is too high.
Pump Never Turns on At All
One of the most obvious signs of failure is a sump pump that won’t start when water levels rise. You might see the pit filling up or the float sitting high, but nothing happens. No motor noise and no vibration — just silence. In this case, the issue could lie with the power source. The simple answer might be a tripped breaker, a disconnected plug, or a blown fuse. But if the pump is still plugged in and you’ve confirmed power is flowing, the problem is deeper.
Internal motor failure, stuck float switches, or corroded wiring inside the pump housing can all prevent it from starting. Worn components in older pumps lose their reliability. That’s especially true in systems that haven’t been inspected regularly or sit idle during dry seasons. A pump that doesn’t turn on leaves your basement vulnerable. If you notice inactivity when you expect the pump to be working, you should have it tested immediately.
Pump Runs Constantly, Even When It Shouldn’t
Inactivity isn’t the only thing that can signal a problem. If your sump pump never seems to shut off, something’s gone wrong. A constantly running pump can burn itself out, especially if the pit is dry or only has a small amount of water. This nonstop operation is often caused by a float stuck in the upward position. Another possibility is that the check valve has failed, causing water to cycle back into the pit and keeping the pump in an endless loop.
A constantly running pump also drains energy and shortens the motor’s life. Instead of helping your basement stay dry, it wastes electricity and risks wearing out before you need it. This issue can go unnoticed until your energy bill spikes or the motor finally gives up during heavy rains. A professional inspection can help you determine if the issue lies with the float, the switch, the valve, or the motor itself.
How and When to Test Your Sump Pump
You don’t need to wait for a storm to determine if your pump still works. Testing it a few times a year can help you catch problems early. Start by slowly pouring water into the pit. Watch when the float rises and listen for the pump to start. If the motor kicks on, pay attention to how it sounds. Once the water drops, the pump should turn off without struggle or delay. If anything about that process feels delayed, rough, or incomplete, that’s a sign the system needs attention.
Generally, we recommend testing your sump pump at the start of spring and again in late summer or early fall. Weather shifts can bring heavy water into your home’s foundation during these times. Waiting until the rain falls or the snow melts means risking water damage before knowing something’s wrong. Regular testing gives you a clearer view of how your system handles pressure. It also allows a technician to catch problems before they lead to costly cleanup.
Common Causes of Pump Trouble and How You Can Protect Your Pump
Pumps in pits full of dirt or debris are more likely to clog. Systems with no backup power source are vulnerable during outages. If your discharge line runs uphill or has no air relief valve, the pump works harder than it should. These problems don’t always come with warning signs, but they shorten the unit’s life.
You can keep the pit clear of mud and check that the discharge pipe outside the house hasn’t shifted or blocked. You should also make sure the pump has a backup system in place. Whether a battery backup or a secondary pump, a backup system gives you coverage during storms that knock the power out. Don’t try to take the pump apart or replace parts alone. These systems handle water and electricity in close quarters, and a wrong move can cause serious damage or injury. A trained technician has the tools and experience to fix problems without adding new ones.
Fix Your Sump Pump Today
A sump pump that fails without warning can leave you with water damage, mold, and a long list of expensive repairs. Keeping an eye out for early signs of trouble can make all the difference. Whether yours needs a quick fix or a full replacement, it’s worth having Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas take a look before your next storm does. We also offer backwater valve installations, basement waterproofing, and emergency plumbing repairs to help protect your home from water damage.
