If your sump pump runs at less than 30 seconds per run for over 2 days and excluding the issues mentioned above, it is probably time to look into other possible issues in your plumbing system. It is important to have an issue checked as soon as possible because a broken pump can burn out much faster and have to be replaced much sooner. The reason is that it uses the most amount of water when the sump is full and requires the most amount of maintenance. If your pump is not running as expected or if the water level in the sump ever dips below the minimum level, there could be many potential problems with your sump pump. A few common problems that could occur include:
The first issue could be a broken pump discharge line.
This basically refers to a clog in the discharge pipe, which usually causes a pump to run rough or not drain properly. If this were the only issue, you could just check the filter, clean it, and re-pump. However, because some systems require the use of a sump trap or sump joint, a complete replacement of the pump might be necessary.
The next potential issue is a damaged float switch or sump pit.
If the float switch or pit is damaged somehow, it can cause the sump pump to run at a lower water level, resulting in more waste water and more expensive water bills. A damaged float switch or it can be checked by checking the pressure in the water pumping the system. If the pressure is too low, you might notice that the float switch does not get fully shut off, even when the system is completely drained. You can also check the float switch to make sure the motor is properly aligned.
Another possible problem in the sump pump can come from outside water pressure.
This may mean there is insufficient water pressure inside your basement or your house itself. To solve this, you can either install a sump pump exhaust fan or look into adding an additional heating source such as an air conditioner. Of course, this might increase the cost of your electricity bill. However, if you are considering this option, at least having an outside heating source can keep the basement warmer during the winter, which will make the room more comfortable.
Problems with the water table and basement walls can also cause your sump pump to run at a lower rate.
Sometimes water gets trapped in the walls of the basement, which causes a reduction in the water level. If this is the case, you might need to add a basement waterproofing membrane. If you do not already have one installed, it is something you should consider doing before your next rainy season.
One thing you can do to reduce the time your sump pump is running is to set it up so the float switch is on continuously. If you leave the float switch off, it will run for only a few seconds every time the pump is turned on. When you are setting up the system, you should use the same hole in your basement floor as you would when put in a pipe for the sump pit. You will also want to use the same kind of hole for your outlet extension cord as you would with the pipe.
Once you have the sump pump set up and all of the pipes are connected, you will then need to connect the pit to the rest of your house. You will need an outlet extension cord that is the same size as the outlet pipe you just put in. The outlet extender will plug into a hole in the floor and will extend into the sump pit. Then you should run a bead of caulk along the top of the outlet extension cord so water will run properly through the line when you are next adding water to the pit.
In order to keep your sump pump running forever, you should build a watertight seal around the unit. This is something you can do by installing some heavy duty double sided tape and making sure it is secured to the inside of the sump pump. Make sure the tape is secured to the floor well, since you don’t want any water penetrating the area where the tape is installed. By sealing the area around your sump pump, you can make it run constantly without any problems. read more
