Overview
A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of a basement or crawl space and pumps away groundwater that collects there, usually through a discharge line that exits the house. When it works, most people forget it exists. When it fails during heavy rain or snowmelt, water can rise into finished basements quickly, which is why sump pump problems are often treated as urgent.
Pumps fail for predictable reasons: a stuck or tangled float switch, a motor that has worn out, debris clogging the intake, a frozen or blocked discharge line, a check valve that has failed, or a power outage. Some homes also have pumps that run constantly because the pit fills faster than expected, which may indicate a high water table, a drainage issue outside, or a pump that is undersized.
Backup options exist for homes where a failure would be costly. Battery backup pumps can run during a power outage for a limited time, and some homes use water-powered backup pumps where municipal water pressure allows. High-water alarms are an inexpensive way to get an early warning before water reaches the floor.
How it typically works
- Checking where the discharge empties, since water should be directed away from the foundation.
- Clearing debris from the pit and intake screen.
- Discussing backup pumps, alarms and discharge routing.
- Testing the pump by filling the pit and watching the float and pump cycle.
- Replacing the pump with a properly sized unit if the motor has failed.
Key considerations
- Testing a pump a few times a year, especially before wet seasons, can catch problems early.
- Discharge lines can freeze in cold weather. Routing and slope matter in climates with hard winters.
- Battery backups have finite run time and the batteries need periodic replacement.
- Pedestal and submersible pumps differ in noise, lifespan and how much space they need.
- A pump that runs constantly will wear out faster and may signal a drainage issue worth investigating.
Local notes for Colorado Springs
Colorado's Front Range sees sharp temperature swings in winter, and hard freezes can follow mild days. Pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawl spaces are the most exposed, and outdoor hose bibs that are not freeze-resistant or disconnected from hoses are a common trouble spot.
Water in much of Colorado is moderately hard to hard depending on the source, which can contribute to scale in water heaters and fixtures over time. Your local water utility publishes water quality reports if you want specifics.
We take inquiries from Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield.
What to have ready
- Say whether you own or rent. Renters usually need to involve the landlord or property manager before work begins.
- Find your main water shut-off before you need it, and mention in your inquiry whether you have already shut the water off.
- Note where the problem is, when it started and whether it is getting worse. A quick photo of the area, any visible leak, and the water heater or fixture label can save time.
- Tell us if the issue is affecting your only bathroom or your only source of hot water, which changes how urgent it is.
- Describe any water damage to floors, ceilings or walls, since that can affect both the repair and any insurance claim.
When to keep looking
- No clear answer about warranties on parts and labor.
- Prices that change significantly after arrival without a clear explanation of what was discovered.
- Requests for large cash payments up front before any work or materials are scheduled.
- Unwillingness to provide license or insurance information when asked.
- Recommending that permits be skipped for work your jurisdiction normally requires a permit for.
What to ask before you commit
- Is my current pump sized correctly for my pit and water volume?
- Would you recommend a battery or water-powered backup for my home?
- Can you add a high-water alarm?
- What warranty comes with a replacement pump?
- Do you see signs of a larger drainage issue I should address?
People also ask
- Do I need a backup sump pump?
- It depends on how much damage a failure would cause and how often power outages occur. Finished basements and areas with frequent storms are common reasons people add one.
- How often should a sump pump be tested?
- Many plumbers suggest testing it a few times a year and before rainy or snowmelt seasons by pouring water into the pit and making sure the pump starts and shuts off normally.
- Why does my sump pump run all the time?
- It could be a stuck float, a failed check valve letting water flow back, a high water table, or a pump that's too small. A plumber can figure out which.
Related topics
- Water Heater Problems: Common water heater problems, repair versus replacement considerations, and what to ask a plumber about tank and tankless units.
- Burst and Leaking Pipes: What happens when a pipe bursts or starts leaking, what to do first, and what to ask an emergency plumber before work begins.
- Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines: How drain and sewer clogs are diagnosed and cleared, warning signs of a main line problem, and questions to ask a plumber.
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