Why Is My Sump Pump Humming But Not Pumping Water?

Like any mechanical system, a sump pump can develop issues over time. One of the common problems is a sump pump humming but not pumping water. Knowing what causes this problem and how it can be addressed can help you keep your sump pump in peak condition. Scheduling sump pump repair in a timely manner can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. In this guide, the plumbers at look into why a sump pump may be humming but not working as it should.

A Jammed Impeller

An impeller is a rotor-like component that creates centrifugal force to pull groundwater out of a pit. This component becomes jammed when debris from a sump pit is pulled into the pump’s spinning mechanism, halting the motor. This is why it’s a good idea to clean the sump pit regularly and inspect the pump’s intake screen. An impeller can also stop working if the blades are cracked or broken off.

Remove the base plate or intake screen and look for debris like dirt, small stones, or strings trapped in the blades. If it is jammed, clear the obstruction and try turning it by hand to make sure it spins freely. These steps should resolve the problem—if they don’t, consult with a nearby plumbing service.

Services

Septic Service

Wastewater treatment systems require regular maintenance, including septic cleaning and pumping in Riverside. Even if your system functions as expected,…

Water Filtration Installation

We often take it for granted that the water coming from our taps is clean, safe, and ready to use. After…

Water Heaters

Whether it's for a steamy shower, a load of laundry, or washing up after dinner, we rely on hot water every…

An Airlocked Pump

Sometimes trapped air gets stuck in the pump housing to prevent water from reaching the impeller. This usually happens because a bottom-intake pump sucks in air along with water or because a clogged air-relief hole prevents the trapped air from escaping. In some cases, an air lock can be caused by high inflow rates or a clogged weep hole.

If you hear a humming sound but the pump is not pumping water, you’ll want to start with checking for an airlock. This is typically a simple fix that just about anyone can perform to restore their sump pump to good working condition. Lift the pump out of the water slightly while it’s running to see if the air stuck in the pump housing gets released. Alternatively, drill a small weep hole in the discharge pipe below the check valve to let the trapped air escape. If the problem persists, reach out to a local plumber in Adelanto, CA specializing in sump pump services for an inspection.

A Broken Check Valve

A check valve in a sump pump is a one-way valve installed on the discharge pipe to allow water to flow out of the pit but prevent the same water from falling back into the pit. It primarily serves as a backflow prevention device for your sump pump. If the check valve becomes damaged or blocked, the water won’t be able to leave the pit. You may also notice rapid cycling or water flowing back into the pit after the pump stops.

Replacing a bad check valve is usually a fairly straightforward process that a plumber can complete in under one hour. Loosen the hose clamps, remove the old check valve, and slide in a new one. Afterwards, secure the clamps and test the system to ensure proper operation. Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer, avoid taking matters into your own hands when it comes to sump pumps. Leave the job to a trusted plumbing service with extensive industry experience.

A Clogged Discharge Pipe

Even if the pump is working correctly, water cannot leave your home if the discharge pipe is blocked. Dirt, leaves, ice, or other debris can clog the pipe and stop water flow completely. Inspect the outdoor discharge point to ensure water can exit freely. During winter, frozen discharge lines are a common cause of sump pump failure.

The Float Switch Is Stuck

The float switch tells the sump pump when to turn on and off. Sometimes it becomes tangled against the side of the sump pit or blocked by debris. Although the motor may activate, the pump may not operate as intended.

Check that the float can move freely without obstruction. Keeping the sump pit clean helps prevent this issue from recurring.

Schedule Sump Pump Repair Today

Now that you know why a sump pump may be humming without working and what to do, you can create a maintenance schedule and know when to schedule sump pump repair. If no fixes are working or the unit has come to the end of its lifespan, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing for help. We are ready to address your sump pump issues and restore the unit to its top shape. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today!