Hi, I am wondering about the following in regards to my sump pump. Since the summer I have had this problem occur a few times and now it has happened twice in the last two days. I have a problem where it makes the noise it makes like it does when it always goes off, but it is running non-stop like it gets stuck or something. When this happens water is draining outside of the tube inside constantly. I then have to unplug the pump and fill the pit up with water . I then plug it back in and it drains out all the water and starts running normally again.

What should I make of this? Is this something that is common with pumps? Or is it a sign that it is malfunctioning?

 

Sounds like the float switch is defective. Replace it if it's a pedestal type or replace the pump if it's a submersible.

 

Sticking check valve, frozen up where the water comes out on the outside of the house.
If the check valve is stuck or the lines plugged the pump will still turn on but the water has no place to go so it would blow out on the side of the pump.

 

Sounds like your discharge line may be freezing.

 

He said he has had this problem since summer. I don't think freezing is the issue. Take out the check valve to test this theory. I still think a defective switch. It works sometime and has gotten progressively worse.

 

if the pump's running, its not likely the switch's bad,,, cast my vote for a stuck ck valve,,, impo, plastic ck valves are better than metal + they're only $12,,, we use 1 1/2" sched 40 pvc for discharge lines.

IF the ck valve's stuck shut, pump'll still run when the switch turns it on. pump'd wtr will only flow out of the relief hole someone drill'd into the discharge line below the ck valve ( which zoeller recommends )