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Last Revised: 5/27/25
Has your sump pump stopped working during a storm – just when you need it most? Or is it running nonstop, even when the pit is dry?
When your sump pump fails to work correctly, it’s more than an inconvenience – it can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage, ruined storage, and stressful cleanup.
At Mattioni, we’ve spent over 75 years helping homeowners prevent basement flooding with expert sump pump services. We know how crucial troubleshooting sump pump issues is to avoiding basement floods in the future.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the seven most common reasons your sump pump might stop working, what causes each one, and the steps you can take right now to protect your home – before the next storm hits.
Power Failure
Let’s start with the obvious – sump pumps run on electricity. So, if your power goes out and you don’t have a battery backup already set up, your sump pump won’t work. Many homeowners learn the hard way that a sump pump is most useful during a storm that might render it useless. For that reason, we always recommend installing a battery backup at the same time as the main sump pump system.
Another backup option is a water-powered backup, which utilizes municipal water pressure to pull water out from the sump basin and discharge it outside. While water-powered backup systems don’t require electricity, they’re an option only for homes with public water (and they’re less powerful than battery backups).
Now that we’ve gotten the obvious out of the way, let’s look at some of the other reasons your sump pump might be acting up.
Pump Burnout or Motor Failure (Overheating)
Sump pump motors can burn out if they run too long or too often. This can happen when the pump is undersized for the volume of water it’s handling, or when the float switch fails to turn it off. Overheating may cause internal electrical damage, and you might notice a humming noise without any actual water being pumped.
Other causes of burnout include debris jamming the line or voltage fluctuations damaging the motor’s internal components.
If your pump is humming or feels hot to the touch, turn off the power to prevent further damage. Call a professional to inspect whether the pump can be repaired or if full replacement is needed. Upgrading to a pump rated for your water load may prevent future burnouts.
Float Switch Malfunction
The float switch is what activates your pump when the water level rises in the pit. If the float becomes stuck, tangled, or misaligned, it won’t trigger the pump – or it may cause it to run nonstop. Mechanical switches can get caught on the pump wall or jam due to debris buildup. And electronic float switches can fail over time due to corrosion or wear.
Lift the float manually to see if the pump activates. If not, clean the sump pit and ensure the float has enough room to move freely. If the float switch is damaged or worn, replacement is typically straightforward and cost-effective.
Clogged (or Frozen) Intake or Discharge Lines
The sump pump must draw in water and discharge it away from your home. If the intake screen is blocked by silt, gravel, or debris, water won’t be able to enter the pump. Similarly, if the discharge pipe is clogged or frozen, water has nowhere to go and may cause the pump to shut down or run ineffectively.
Pro Tip: Use a cover with your sump pump and regularly inspect for sediment build-up and debris to prevent issues.
Check Valve Failure
The check valve on the discharge pipe prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit after the pump shuts off. If this valve is missing, stuck open, or installed improperly, water can flow in reverse, forcing the pump to work harder and possibly leading to constant cycling or burnout.
Without a functioning check valve, the system becomes increasingly inefficient and eventually vulnerable to flooding.
If your sump pump turns on repeatedly with little water in the pit, it’s an indication of backflow. Inspect your check valve and replace it if it’s failing (or hire a professional to do so).
Improper Installation or Undersized Pump
A sump pump that’s the wrong size – or installed incorrectly – may not activate when needed or may be overwhelmed during heavy rain. Common installation errors include improper pit depth, lack of a check valve, or electrical wiring mistakes. An undersized pump will run continuously and wear out quickly.
Have a qualified technician inspect its size, installation depth, and capacity. They can determine whether your pump can handle the groundwater load or if an upgrade or reinstallation is needed.
The Pump is Aging
Sump pumps don’t last forever. Most last about 7-10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. As it ages, components like the motor, float, and impeller wear out, leading to inconsistent operation or total failure – often without warning.
Check the age of your pump and look for signs of wear, rust, or delayed response time. If it’s more than 7 years old, schedule a professional inspection or replace it before the next rainy season.
Keep Your Basement Dry 365 Days a Year
Sump pump failure is rarely just a minor inconvenience – it’s a stressful and costly emergency. Whether caused by clogs, power issues, or aging parts, these problems can often be prevented with routine checks and timely replacements.
Now that you understand the top causes of sump pump failure, your next step is to get your system inspected before the next storm hits.
At Mattioni, we’ve been helping homeowners keep their basements dry for over 75 years – and we’re ready to help you next.
Call us at (610) 400-8510 to schedule a sump pump inspection or upgrade – or book your appointment online.
