A sump pump is one of the unsung heroes of your home’s plumbing system. Tucked away in the basement or crawl space, it quietly protects your property from flooding, foundation damage, and costly water intrusion.
But when your sump pump starts running constantly—cycling on and off every few minutes or humming continuously without stopping—it’s a clear sign that something is wrong.A constantly running sump pump isn’t just annoying. It’s a warning that your system is overworked, potentially damaged, or facing conditions it wasn’t designed to handle.
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend addressing the issue immediately, because a burned-out pump during a heavy rainstorm can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. Here’s what could be causing the problem—and what you can do about it.
How a Sump Pump Is Supposed to Work
Before diving into the causes, it helps to understand normal operation. A sump pump sits in a pit (called a sump basin) at the lowest point of your home. When groundwater or excess moisture collects in the basin, a float switch activates the pump, which then pushes the water out through a discharge pipe and away from your foundation.Under normal conditions, a sump pump should cycle on periodically—especially during rainy weather—and then shut off once the water level drops. If it’s running constantly, something is disrupting this cycle.
Common Reasons Your Sump Pump Won’t Stop Running
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend investigating these common culprits when your sump pump seems to have a mind of its own.
1. Stuck or Faulty Float Switch The float switch is what tells the pump when to turn on and off. If it gets stuck in the “on” position—due to debris, tangled wiring, or a mechanical malfunction—the pump will keep running even when the basin is empty. This is one of the most common causes of a constantly running sump pump and often the easiest to fix.
2. Broken or Missing Check Valve The check valve is installed on the discharge pipe to prevent water from flowing back into the basin after it’s pumped out. Without a functioning check valve, water can drain right back into the sump pit as soon as the pump shuts off, triggering another cycle almost immediately. This creates a frustrating loop where the pump never truly gets a break
.3. High Water Table In coastal areas like Long Beach, high groundwater levels are common—especially after heavy rain or during certain seasons. If your home sits on a high water table, your sump pump may genuinely need to run frequently to keep up with incoming water. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend evaluating whether your current pump is sized properly for your area’s water conditions.
4. Undersized Sump Pump Not all sump pumps are created equal. If your pump’s horsepower or gallons-per-hour (GPH) capacity is too small for your home’s needs, it will struggle to keep up during heavy inflow. The result? A pump that runs continuously without ever catching up. Upgrading to a more powerful unit is often the solution.
5. Plumbing Leak or Broken Pipe Sometimes the water filling your sump basin isn’t groundwater at all—it’s coming from a leaking pipe, appliance, or water main inside your home. A hidden leak can send a steady stream of water into the basin, forcing the pump to run non-stop. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend inspecting your plumbing system if the pump runs constantly even during dry weather.
6. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line If the discharge pipe is blocked by debris, sediment, or damage, water can’t exit the system properly. The pump keeps working, but the water level in the basin barely drops—causing continuous operation.
In colder months, frozen discharge lines can create the same issue, though this is rare in Long Beach.
7. Sump Basin Is Too Small An undersized basin fills up too quickly, causing the pump to activate more often than it should. If the basin can’t hold enough water between cycles, the pump ends up running constantly. Upgrading to a larger basin can significantly reduce cycling frequency.
8. Malfunctioning or Aging Pump Sump pumps typically last 7 to 10 years. As they age, internal components wear out, motors weaken, and impellers become less efficient. An older pump may run longer to accomplish what a newer pump could handle in seconds. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend replacing sump pumps proactively before they fail completely.
9. Foundation Drainage Issues Sometimes the problem isn’t the pump—it’s what’s around your home. Poor exterior drainage, clogged gutters, improperly graded landscaping, or damaged foundation drains can direct excessive water toward your basement, overwhelming the sump system.
Why a Constantly Running Sump Pump Is a Serious Problem
Ignoring a non-stop sump pump can lead to expensive consequences:
- Motor burnout from overheating and continuous operation
- Higher electricity bills due to constant power draw
- Complete pump failure, often at the worst possible time
- Basement flooding if the pump dies during a storm
- Foundation damage from water intrusion and hydrostatic pressure
- Mold and mildew growth in surrounding areas
The good news is that most issues have straightforward solutions when caught early.
How to Troubleshoot a Constantly Running Sump Pump
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend the following steps if you notice your sump pump running non-stop:
- Unplug the pump briefly and inspect the float switch for obstructions or damage.
- Check the check valve to ensure it’s installed correctly and functioning.
- Look inside the sump basin to see if debris is affecting operation.
- Inspect the discharge pipe for clogs, kinks, or damage.
- Look for signs of leaks in nearby plumbing fixtures and pipes.
- Note the weather conditions—heavy rain or a high water table may explain the activity.
- Consider the age of your pump and whether replacement is due.
If the issue isn’t obvious or the pump continues to malfunction, it’s time to call in a professional.
When to Call a Plumbing Professional
While some sump pump issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, others require professional diagnosis and repair. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend calling a licensed plumber if:
- The float switch or check valve keeps failing
- You suspect a hidden plumbing leak
- The pump is more than 7 years old
- Water continues entering the basin even in dry weather
- You need to upgrade to a larger or backup sump system
A professional can assess your entire drainage system, recommend the right pump size for your property, and ensure your home is protected from water damage year-round.
Consider a Backup Sump Pump System
In flood-prone areas, our Long Beach Plumbing experts recommend installing a battery backup sump pump. If your primary pump fails or the power goes out during a storm, the backup unit takes over automatically—giving you critical protection when you need it most.
Protect Your Home With Expert Sump Pump Service
A constantly running sump pump is your home’s way of asking for help. Whether the fix is a simple float adjustment or a full system upgrade, addressing the issue promptly protects your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.If your sump pump is running non-stop in Long Beach or the surrounding areas, the team at A1 Best Plumbing is ready to help.
Our licensed plumbers have the experience, tools, and expertise to diagnose the issue quickly and provide reliable, long-lasting solutions.
Contact A1 Best Plumbing today to schedule a sump pump inspection or repair—because when it comes to protecting your home from water damage, every minute matters.