When thunder, lighting, and heavy rains rattle your home, you can rest assured knowing that the sump pump in your basement or crawlspace will keep your home dry. However, you may start to worry if your sump pump is constantly running — especially when there’s no rain in sight.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run continuously? While it can be normal in some cases, this occurrence can sometimes indicate that there’s a problem at hand.
It’s completely understandable if you’re worried about your sump pump. After all, you count on this heavy-duty device to have your back during the worst storms imaginable. Without wasting another moment, let’s go over the potential reasons why your sump pump is running without rain and what you can do to fix it.
High Water Table
Was the previous season full of rainstorms? Even if the skies are currently clear and sunny, it’s possible that rains from the previous season are now affecting the water table. This is usually a common occurrence after spring, which is known for downpours.
It might take a while for the water table to lower to its usual position since the precipitation has to travel through layers of sediment. However, other factors can also cause a high water table, such as leaks in your water line and runoff from lakes or rivers.
When it comes down to it, a higher water table can potentially cause flooding in your basement. If your sump pump is constantly running, it’s possible that it’s simply trying to keep your basement from flooding.
Faulty Float Switch
It’s easy to ignore the sump pump system in your basement when it seems to be working fine. However, you shouldn’t forget that this device is composed of various components that can become damaged or worn over time. For example, a faulty float switch could be why your sump pump is running without rain.
Every sump pump has a float switch. This device is essentially a sensor since it keeps track of rising water levels and will alert the pump to start removing water from the basement. However, if this switch gets jammed in the “up” or “on” position, your sump pump will think it has to pump out water even when there’s no water to be seen.
Blocked Drain Line
Your sump pump’s drain line, or “discharge pipe,” is responsible for expelling water out of the system and away from your home. However, this mechanism isn’t completely immune to problems.
Dirt and debris can clog these discharge lines over time, which makes it nearly impossible for water to be removed from the basin. A clogged drain line could be why your sump pump is constantly running — but it can also cause other issues, like a flooding sump pit.
Defective Check Valve
The check valve on the drain line could also be why your sump pump is constantly running. This valve has one main purpose: to keep water from flowing back down into the sump pump once it has traveled up the drain line.
When the check valve becomes faulty or damaged, there’s nothing to stop the water from flowing right back down into the pump. As a result, you’ll find that the sump pump runs continuously in an effort to remove the water — but to no avail. If you have this problem, then there’s a good chance that the sump pump won’t stop running. It’s best to schedule a sump pump emergency service to ensure that everything is working properly.
Failing Sump Pump
When it comes down to it, an outdated, defective system could be why your sump pump is running without rain. Other common signs of sump pump failure can include strange noises, frequent cycling, and vibrating.
Repair or Replace Your Sump Pump With AP Plumbing
So, why is your sump pump running without rain? The answer to this question isn’t always obvious — especially if you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of your pump. If you suspect you have a problem on your hands, don’t hesitate to contact AP Plumbing.
We offer Syracuse, NY, sump pump installation and repair services to meet your needs and keep your basement dry. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today!
