Top 6 Reasons Your Sump Pump Fails

The moment your sump pump fails can be filled with dread, knowing the potential damage that could follow.

A functioning sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against flooding, moisture, and the many problems that come with water damage.

Understanding the top six reasons behind sump pump failures is crucial to preventing the panic and costly repairs that can ensue.

From power outages and incorrect installation to clogged systems and overwhelmed capacity, each reason highlights the importance of regular maintenance and awareness.

This guide will explore these common causes, offering insights and solutions to keep your basement dry and your mind at ease.

Common Reasons Sump Pumps Fail

1. Overwhelmed Sump Pump

Sometimes a single sump pump just isn’t enough to handle the job, or the pump is simply not powerful or reliable enough.  Plastic, cheap sump pumps, for example, often can’t keep up with the high volume of water that pours in, especially during heavy rains. It will burn out or fail to pump water as quickly as needed.  Upgrading your sump pump and adding a battery backup sump pump to the system, usually solves this problem.

2. No Water Entering the Sump Pit

This is a classic sign of an improperly installed sump pump. Many contractors install a sump pump in the basement but do not link it to a drainage system. A sump pump only works properly if there is a drain tile installed externally or internally, along the internal perimeter of the basement.

The drain tile collects all the groundwater from around the foundation and relies on gravity to channel and discharge it into the sump pump. If the drain tile is clogged, collapsed, inexistent, or just not installed with the proper pitch, it won’t divert the water to the pit, and the best sump pump in the world will not keep your basement dry.

3. Clogged Sump Pumps & Switches

Sump pits that do not have a lid can easily fill with dirt and debris, which can cause a sump pump to clog.

Likewise, if you have a sump pump that sits straight against the bottom of a dirty sump pit, its mechanical parts are liable to clog with dirt and debris. If this interferes with the pump’s operation, the system will slow or stop.

The same debris can cause the “float switch”, which causes the pump to turn on and off as the water level in the pit changes, to clog or jam as well.

4. Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines

If the discharge lines are frozen or clogged, the system can’t get rid of the water being pumped. The discharge line needs to be kept clear, and it is a good idea to protect the discharge line from cold weather damage.

5. Power Lost to the Sump Pump

When the pump stops working, it is a good idea to check if it has power. In these cases, the sump might be working properly, but has no electricity to power it on. Often, the sump is unplugged – accidentally, or someone forgot to plug it back in. Check the circuit breaker; it might have tripped and need to be reset.

There are, of course, cases in which the pump is down because of a power outage. The storms and torrential downpours that have the potential to flood a basement are often the same ones that knock down the power lines.  It is imperative that you have a high capacity battery operated backup sump pump to keep your basement protected when power is.

6. Sump Pump Running Non-Stop

Sump pumps that run continuously, non-stop, or way too often, regardless of the weather conditions or season, may be a sign of different problems. The sump could have a stuck switch, the liner can be too small or too big, or the check valve may be missing or broken.

Secure Your Basement with FSM’s Reliable AquaStop™ Sump Pumps

After a sump pump failure, finding a reliable fix is key. FSM is here to help, offering durable, trustworthy sump pumps for any situation.

Our AquaStop™ Sump Pumps come in various models to fit the unique needs of your home.

Choose from the AquaStop™ Basement Single for everyday water removal, the Basement Single with Battery Backup for power outages, or the Basement Triple for maximum protection against heavy water flow.

Each system is designed to keep your basement dry, work well with other waterproofing measures, and offer reliable pumping with extra backup options.

Built to last and backed by maintenance plans, AquaStop™ is a solid choice for fighting basement moisture.

Trust FSM for straightforward advice and custom solutions in basement waterproofing.

Schedule your free inspection today and upgrade your home with an AquaStop™ Sump Pump System.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.