Why Your Sump Pump Keeps Running and When to Consider Sump Pump Repair
A sump pump that runs constantly is one of the most common warning signs homeowners in the Joliet, IL, area face. This article explains why it happens and when sump pump repair may be the right next step.
Most sump pumps cycle on and off as needed. If yours runs without stopping, something is likely wrong. Ignoring it can shorten the pump's lifespan, drive up your electric bill, and leave your basement at risk of flooding. Most causes can be diagnosed, and many can be fixed before serious damage sets in. Scheduling sump pump repair early is almost always less expensive than dealing with a flooded basement.
Why Your Sump Pump Keeps Running
A continuously running pump usually points to one of five root causes.
Stuck or Broken Float Switch
The float switch tells your pump when water in the pit is high enough to need draining. If the float gets stuck in the "on" position, the motor may run indefinitely even when the pit is nearly empty. This can happen when the pump shifts inside the pit and pins the float against the liner wall, or when debris jams the mechanism. Checking the float switch is often the first step in troubleshooting a sump pump.
Failed Check Valve
The check valve is a one-way valve on the discharge line that stops water from flowing back into the pit after the pump pushes it out. When it fails, water drains back down and triggers the float switch almost immediately, causing the pump to short-cycle and run continuously. Replacing a worn check valve is a straightforward sump pump repair in many cases.
Undersized Pump
A pump that is too small for your pit and water volume cannot keep up. It may run nonstop trying to drain water that is coming in faster than it can handle. This is especially relevant in Will County, IL, where homes can take on a lot of groundwater during heavy spring storms.
High Water Table
Joliet sits near the Des Plaines River corridor and parts of the city rest on dense glacial clay soil that sheds water slowly. Groundwater can rise quickly after moderate rainfall and stay elevated for extended periods. This is particularly common in lower-lying areas near the 60432 and 60433 zip codes. A water table that stays high may call for a higher-capacity pump or a secondary backup unit.
Blocked or Frozen Discharge Line
If the discharge line becomes clogged with debris, ice, or sediment, water has nowhere to go and the pump keeps running without result. Illinois winters can freeze discharge lines that terminate too close to the ground or lack proper insulation. Inspecting the exit point of your discharge line is a quick check you can do without tools.
How to Troubleshoot a Running Sump Pump
Work through these steps before calling a professional.
1. Unplug the pump and check the float switch. It should move freely up and down without catching on anything in the pit.
2. Inspect the check valve on the discharge line for wear, cracking, or improper installation that might allow backflow.
3. Pour water slowly into the pit and watch the pump cycle. If it turns on and off normally, a high water table or slow-draining soil may be the core issue rather than the pump itself.
4. Go outside and locate the discharge line exit point. Confirm it is clear of ice, soil blockage, or debris.
5. Listen to the motor while the pump runs. Grinding, humming, or buzzing with little or no water movement may indicate motor wear or a seized impeller.
Describing what you find in detail helps a technician diagnose the issue faster and complete sump pump repair more efficiently.
When to Call a Professional for Sump Pump Repair
Call a professional when you notice any of the following.
▸ The motor runs but moves no water, which may indicate a burned-out or seized pump.
▸ The float switch appears fine but the pump still will not shut off.
▸ You find water damage or moisture around the base of the unit.
▸ The check valve has been replaced but the pump still short-cycles.
▸ Your pump is seven to ten years old or older and is showing any of the signs above.
A qualified technician can assess whether the existing pump is the right size for your pit volume and local groundwater conditions, test the check valve, and confirm the discharge line terminates correctly per Will County drainage guidelines.
How Often Should I Test My Sump Pump?
Most homeowners should test the pump two to four times a year. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm that the float switch activates the pump and that the pump shuts off cleanly once the water level drops. A full test before Will County's spring storm season is especially wise, given the area's history of heavy rainfall and elevated groundwater.
Can a Sump Pump Run Too Much and Burn Out?
Yes. Continuous operation without adequate rest can overheat the motor and cause premature failure. If the pump feels unusually hot to the touch or you smell burning, unplug it and contact a technician promptly. Catching the issue early often means sump pump repair is still an option rather than a full replacement.
Get Expert Help in Joliet, IL
If your sump pump keeps running and you cannot identify the cause, contact R & R Septic & Sewer Service. Serving Will, DuPage, Kendall, and Grundy Counties since 1978, R & R offers sump pump and ejector pump installation and repair for residential and commercial properties. Call (815) 436-4110 or contact the team online to request a free estimate. You can also find the business on Google Maps. Do not wait until a constantly running pump burns out or your basement floods. Competitive pricing and prompt service make it easy to get the sump pump repair you need before a small problem becomes a costly one.
