Blog › March 3, 2025
5 Signs Your Sump Pump Is Failing (and What to Do About It)
Most sump pump failures happen during the worst possible moment — a heavy storm with power instability. Catching the warning signs early is the best way to stay ahead of it.
1. The Pump Runs Constantly
A sump pump that runs continuously — even during dry weather — is a sign something is wrong. Either the float switch is stuck in the on position, the pump is undersized for the volume of water it is handling, or the discharge line is routing water back to the pit instead of away from the house. Continuous operation burns out pump motors significantly faster than normal cycling, so a pump running nonstop will fail much sooner than its rated lifespan.
In Utah Valley neighborhoods near Utah Lake — Saratoga Springs, Vineyard, the lower portions of American Fork — high water tables mean pumps may run frequently during wet season. That is normal, but running continuously 24/7 is not.
2. The Pump Does Not Activate When Water Rises
If you pour water into the pit and nothing happens, the float switch has failed, the pump motor has failed, or the electrical connection has a problem. A pump that does not activate when the pit fills is a non-functioning pump — you essentially have no protection against a wet basement the next time water comes in.
This is worth checking annually. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch the pump activate. It should turn on within 30 to 60 seconds as the float rises.
3. The Pump Makes Unusual Noises
A healthy pump runs quietly — a low hum and the sound of water moving. Rattling, grinding, or excessive vibration points to a worn impeller or debris inside the pump housing. A pump that is struggling mechanically will eventually fail to move water effectively even if it is still technically running. Unusual noise is a warning that the pump is in its final stages.
4. The Pump Is More Than 8 Years Old
Most quality submersible sump pumps are rated for 7 to 10 years. A pump that is 8 or 9 years old and has been doing its job may appear to be working fine right up until it stops working. For Utah Valley homeowners heading into spring — the peak demand season — an aging pump is a liability. Replacing a pump proactively during fall is significantly better than replacing it during a March flooding event.
5. Your Basement Gets Wet Despite the Pump Running
If water is appearing in your basement even though the pump is running, the pump may be undersized for your home's water volume, or water is entering the basement faster than the pump can remove it. This can also happen when water is entering through pathways that bypass the sump pit entirely — such as wall cracks above the drain tile level or a window well flooding directly against the wall.
A pump that cannot keep up needs to be assessed — either for size/capacity, or for whether additional drainage improvements are needed to direct more water to the pit.
What to Do
If you recognize any of these signs, don't wait for the next storm. We inspect sump pump systems as part of our free waterproofing inspections throughout Utah Valley. We test the pump, inspect the pit, check the discharge line, and evaluate whether the system is appropriately sized for your home's conditions. We will also let you know if a battery backup system would be a smart addition given your situation.
Call (385) 448-5185 or request an inspection online. We serve all Utah Valley communities including Saratoga Springs, Vineyard, Lehi, Provo, Orem, and more.
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