Are You Overworking Your Sump Pump?
A sump pump is not meant to be running continuously. Typically, a sump pump will turn on and off as needed. If your pump is working too hard or too much, the motor will end up wearing out sooner rather than later. So if you notice that your sump pump is running without stop, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the pump.
The Switch – If your sump pump seems to be running continuously, the first thing you should check is the switch. The sump pump will turn on and off with the help of a switch that will trigger when the water level rises. Occasionally, this switch can get stuck in the on position. It could be tangled, jammed, or clogged. Other times, the vibrations from the pump running will cause the pump to move out of position and result in it leaning up against the sump pit or hindering the switch.
Wrong Size Of Pump Or Liner – Occasionally, the sump pump will end up running too much or working too hard because it is the wrong sized liner or pit for the job. Other times, too much water on a regular basis for your pump size will cause it to be overwhelmed. Sometimes the pit is simply too large for the pump. In short, if your pump or liner is not the correct size, you are going to have problems. That is why it is important to have a professional waterproofing contractor there to assess your needs before getting a sump pump installed for you.
Issues With The Check Valve – The check valve will be on the discharge line in order to stop the water that is being pumped out of the home from going back down into your sump pit. If there are any issues with the check valve or if you do not have a check valve on your system, it may cause the water to go back down into the pit and thus wearing out the pump.
In the end, a good quality sump pump will easily be able to handle your water drainage needs without needing to be constantly running. However, with the proper equipment and regular maintenance, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you are interested in waterproofing your basement, don’t hesitate to contact us at AAA Waterproofing for all of your waterproofing and drainage needs.