Plumbing • RepairRiot

Sump Pump Troubleshooting & Repair Guides

Find the closest sump pump plumbing symptom and open the guide that matches what is happening before you take things apart or replace parts.

Find The SymptomCheck SafelyFix The Right Problem
Sump Pump plumbing repair scene

Find your sump pump problem

Start with the symptom you can see. If water is active, shut it off first, then use the guide that matches the first thing that went wrong.

Not pumping and power

Sump pump not working

The pump does not remove water from the pit.

Sump pump not turning on

The pump does not start when water rises.

Sump pump hums but doesn’t run

The motor hums but the pump does not move water.

Running and cycling

Sump pump keeps running

The pump runs longer than it should.

Sump pump short cycling

The pump starts and stops too often.

Starts and stops every minute

Rapid cycling repeats during wet conditions.

Discharge and backflow

Sump pump discharge clogged

The discharge line is blocked or restricted.

Discharge line frozen

The discharge path is blocked or not flowing.

Water returns to pit

Water flows back into the pit after pumping.

Overflow, alarms, and float

Sump pit overflowing

Water rises above the normal pump level.

Sump pump alarm keeps going off

The alarm keeps sounding or returning.

Float tangled

The float is stuck, blocked, or tangled.

Leaks, noise, and power safety

Sump pump leaking

Water leaks from the pump, pipe, or fittings.

Sump pump vibrating

The pump shakes, rattles, or vibrates while running.

Sump pump trips breaker

The breaker or GFCI trips when the pump runs.

More Plumbing topics

Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink

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Bathroom Sink

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Toilet

Shower

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Bathtub

Bathtub

Faucet

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Drain / Sewer

Drain / Sewer

Well Pump / Pressure Tank

Well Pump / Pressure Tank

Water Pressure

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Shutoff Valves

Shutoff Valves

Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipes

Sink Components

Sink Components

Pipes / Fittings

Pipes / Fittings