How Often Should a Sump Pump Run in Your Cleveland Heights Home?

If your Cleveland home has a basement, then you likely have a sump pump. Proper sump pump configuration keeps water out of your basement and can prevent flooding. It is important to know how a sump pump works and how frequently it should run so you can identify potential issues. With that in mind, the team at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. is here to answer the question, “How often should a sump pump run?”

Contact us today to speak to Cleveland Heights’ skilled plumber team!

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

Sump pumps are a special type of water pump meant specifically to pump water out of basements and prevent water infiltration. Sump pumps are most often located in special reservoirs in basements. Water drains into the reservoir, and when it reaches a specific level, the sump pump kicks on and pumps it out into proper drainage channels.

Sump pumps are practically a necessity for homes with basements. Water naturally flows to the lowest point of the house, which for most homes is the basement. Without a sump pump, the chances of basement flooding are much higher, especially during Cleveland’s rainy seasons in late summer and early fall. 

Modern homes use two main types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible pumps. Pedestal pumps have a larger tower on top that houses the motor, while submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater. 

How Often Should a Sump Pump Run?

Sump pumps should only run when the water level trips the pump switch. Pumps might run more than once a day—it depends on the size of the reservoir, your house construction, and the weather/climate. During times of heavy rainfall, it’s not uncommon for your sump pump to flip on multiple times a day. 

However, if your sump pump is running all the time regardless of conditions, there is something wrong with it, and you should call an expert to diagnose the problem. A broken sump pump is a liability as your basement can become flooded and sustain significant water damage. 

Why Is My Sump Pump Running All the Time?

If your sump pump system is running all the time, there are a couple of common issues that could be the culprit. 

Faulty Check Valve

Most sump pumps use a floating check valve to turn the pump on and off. When the water level rises, the check floats and turns the pump on once it reaches a certain height. If the valve is faulty, then your pump might get stuck in the on position because it thinks there is water in the reservoir even when there is none. 

Blocked Intake

Sump pumps take up water through an intake screen that can become clogged and blocked with dirt and mud. If the intake valve gets clogged, the pump won’t be able to remove water effectively, so it will keep pumping because the water level won’t go down enough. 

Negative Ground Grade

The drainage area near a sump pump’s drain output needs to be beneath the water table so that drained water doesn’t just drain back into your basement and foundation. If your ground grade is too low, you will have to perform landscaping so that water drains in the proper direction. 

Clogged Discharge Line

Sump pumps take water out of the reservoir and pump it through a designated discharge drain line. If the line gets clogged from dirt or mud, water might rush back into the sump pump reservoir. The result is the pump stays in the on position because backflow keeps refilling the pump reservoir. 

Excessive Water Infiltration

Sometimes, your pump might run continuously even though nothing is wrong with it. This can happen if there is excessive water infiltration so the pump has to work all the time to remove the water. The most likely cause of excessive water infiltration is a leak in your water main or a major storm with heavy rain. Melting snow in your yard can also cause your pump to work overtime. It's important to know the difference between a pump continuously running because it is broken and one running because there is a lot of water. 

Pump Is Too Small

In some cases, the problem might be that the pump simply isn’t strong enough to drain enough water. Most homes use 1/3-horsepower pumps, but you can also buy 1/2-HP, 3/4-HP, and 1-HP pumps if you need some extra pumping power. Running a pump that is too small runs the risk of breakdowns and flooding. 

Taking Care of Your Sump Pump

The key to keeping your sump pump operational is taking good care of it. Below are some sump pump maintenance and care tips from our plumbing experts in Cleveland Heights. 

• Test your sump pump at least once per year, preferably right before the rainy season. You can test your pump by pouring a bucket of water into the reservoir and timing how long it takes to drain.
• Get in the habit of cleaning your sump pump once every few months. Take apart the intake array and clean out all the sand, dirt, and gravel that can cause clogs and damage. 
• If you have a float-check valve, test it every few months to make sure it's properly calibrated. 
• Double-check the drainage lines to make sure drained water isn’t flowing back into the reservoir. Drainage lines need to empty water at least 20 feet away from your house to prevent backflow. 
• If your sump pump is about ten years old, you should probably look into getting it replaced with a new unit. 

Sump Pump and Plumbing Repair in Cleveland Heights

Now that you know the answer to “How often should a sump pump run?” read our blog on how to stop your sump pump from constantly running. If you would like to schedule Cleveland plumbing services, contact Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. online or call today at 440-943-0033 to schedule an appointment!