The most typical application for sump pumps in the region of San Diego, California, is to pump sewage. Many homes in San Diego are located on hillsides or below street level. As a result of this, the wastewater must be pumped up to street level. Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air can handle any plumbing services in San Diego, including new sump pump [1] installations, replacements, inspections, and repairs. We’ll repair or replace your sump pump and guarantee it’s properly maintained to avoid clogs and motor failure. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of a sump pump for your house.
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Signs Your Sump Pump Is Failing
Every seven to ten years, the majority of sump pumps need to be replaced. However, things that affect its lifespan include the runtime of its cycle, the amount of water it has had to replace, and the level of care it has received. The best course of action is to have a licensed plumber assess and clean your sump pump if you believe it is running nonstop.
Installing a replacement sump pump is significantly less expensive than fixing property damage from a flooded home, so it may be a good idea in the long run if you occasionally need to replace your sump pump. A few of the signs that it’s time to repair your sump pump include:
- It’s running nonstop.
- It’s often cycling on and off.
- It’s making unusual, loud noises or vibrating.
- It’s not turning on when it should be.
Common Reasons Your Sump Pump Is Constantly Running
Jammed Float Switches
Sump pump systems on basement floors often have a switch that floats upwards as water rises in the sump pit. When the switch floats to a certain level, it triggers a switch that turns the pump on. As the water drops, the switch lowers again, turning the switch off. The most common cause of a sump pump system running continuously is when the float switch is stuck in the “on” position in the sump pit. This will cause it to run even when all water has been removed, and this can prematurely burn out the pump. The float switch can also fail due to vibration, which causes the sump pump to move around the pit. Finally, the float switch may become stuck due to hooking on something in the sump pit or debris in the liner, or it may get permanently stuck in the “on” position.
High Water Table
Your sump pump may have been put too close to the water table line, which is the boundary line between unsaturated ground and water-saturated ground. It’s also possible that recent heavy rains have raised the water level. Your sump pump will need to run continuously as the water table rises in order to drain the extra water below the surface.
If you believe that this is the cause of your sump pump operating nonstop, there are two possible fixes. To deal with the extra water, you can install a second, supplemental pump or move your sump pump pit to a higher area of your basement above the water table.
Broken Check Valve
Due to the large number of moving parts in your sump pump, there is a chance that it can operate continuously. The check valve is an additional important point to note, as it prevents water from returning to your pump once it has been removed. If the check valve is malfunctioning, the water that the pump is trying to drain will just fall back into your pump. This means that the pump will never stop operating because no water can exit it.
Clogged Discharge Pipe
After your sump pump is turned on, the water in the pit is directed toward a discharge pipe. This discharge pipe will guarantee that the water is effectively removed. However, the water will back up into the sump pit if the discharge line is blocked by silt, dirt, or other debris. This issue may be the reason a sump pump runs nonstop.
Broken Impeller
Your sump pump features an interior component called an impeller, which closely resembles a fan. Water is drawn from the pump pit by the spinning impeller, which then forces the water out of the discharge pipe. If your impeller is broken or clogged, the motor will still operate, but the pump won’t push water in or out.
How Concerned Should I Be if My Sump Pump Is Constantly Running?
If your sump pump is constantly running and you can’t solve the issue, it’s important to contact a professional plumbing company like Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air [3]. The pump may overheat, leading to flooding and water damage in your basement. It can cause higher energy bills from continuous operation as it runs on electricity.
Additionally, the pump’s lifespan, which typically lasts 10–15 years, may be shortened due to constant running. A pump that runs for extended periods will need more frequent replacement and be more susceptible to malfunctions.
How to Maintain a Sump Pump
To run smoothly and effectively, your sump pump needs routine maintenance, just like any other appliance in your house. Once a year, you should have your pump professionally cleaned and maintained. You should take out the sump pump, clean the inlet filter, and clear the pit of any debris every three to four months. Next, fill the hole with water until the float switch is activated to make sure it works.
Why Choose Anderson Plumbing Heating & Air For Sump Pump Services in San Diego, California
Is your existing sump pump not functioning properly, or is its efficiency not where it usually seems to be? If you need a sump pump installed or replaced in San Diego, trust Anderson Plumbing, Heating, & Air [3]. For your safety and comfort, any technician we send to your home is licensed and vetted, giving you and your family peace of mind.
Our experienced plumbers can work on any sump pump brand or model. We carry replacement parts for most name-brand pumps, and we will have your sump pump up and running in no time. Trust Anderson for expert sump pump repair services. We also offer emergency plumbing services [4] if your sewer pump fails.
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We can typically dispatch a plumber the same day, and our trucks are fully stocked to handle nearly any sump pump installation service in a single visit. Visit our website or call us at (760) 387-8508 [5] to request sump pump installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance services [1].