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Why My Sump Pump Constantly Running?
Why My Sump Pump Constantly Running?
4.8 RATING

Why My Sump Pump Constantly Running?

Your sump pump works around the clock to make sure your basement and property is not overcome with flooding and excess moisture. This does not…

June 13, 2026
Why My Sump Pump Constantly Running?

Your sump pump works around the clock to make sure your basement and property is not overcome with flooding and excess moisture. This does not mean that the sump pump is constantly running though. If your sump pump is running without stop, then you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A constantly running sump pump can wear out its motor and shorten the service life.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey, we have plenty of experience detecting, diagnosing, and resolving issues with sump pumps, and we are always ready to take your call for an emergency repair. But this article is not a sales pitch. It is an informative one. We hope to give you some insight into why your sump pump is constantly running and offer some tips to troubleshoot and fix the issue. You are always welcomed to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Potential Cause #1: Faulty Float Switch

The name is pretty self-descriptive. A float switch sits on the surface of the water in the sump pump and switches the sump pump on when the water level reaches a certain point. Water is pumped out until the float pump reaches its neutral position once again.
Inspect your sump pump and make sure it is not tangled or stuck. Remove any obstructions so that it can freely move. If there is no obstruction, then the float switch may be faulty and need to be replaced. Many home improvement stores have replacements for sale but make sure you buy the correct type for your sump pump model.

Potential Cause #2: Defective Check Valve

The sump pump relies on the check valve to send water away without the same water coming back into the sump pit. A defective check valve will allow water to re-enter the sump pit, creating a loop that will be constantly triggering the pump.
Check to see if the check valve is properly installed. It should be held in place with ring clamps, so it is not very difficult to remove and replace the part. It may also be that the check valve has wo out. Either way, head out to the local hardware store to get a replacement part and swap out the old part for the new.

Potential Cause #3: Clogged Discharge Pipe

The wastewater discharged by a sump pump travels through a discharge pipe. It is common for sediment and debris to clog the discharge pipe. If the discharge pipe is blocked, then water backups will have your sump pump running non-stop.
You can grab a plunger or drain snake to unclog the pipe, but we do not recommend chemical drain cleaners. If the drain snake or plunger does not loosen up the blockage, then consider calling Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey for a professional cleaning. Our live representatives and qualified plumbers are available around the clock. Do not ever hesitate to call. We are ready to take your call and have a nearby plumber dispatched to your location today.

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