Last Updated on July 2, 2023 by admin
A sump pump is a backup device that pumps water from the lowest point in your basement or crawlspace, while the main pump handles the rest of the water in your house. When there is no rain, the main pump runs continuously, and a sump pump will only function when the water level rises.
Recalibrating the sump pump may be necessary to fix the problem of your sump pump running with no rain.
If the main pump has to shut down for any reason, the backup sump pump will start automatically and gradually raise the water level until it reaches your main electrical panel.
It is possible, though, for the sump pump to turn on and off repeatedly even in rainy weather. This can be disconcerting as it makes you think there’s a problem with your main pump, which isn’t the case.
More often, however, this issue happens when the main pump malfunctions or turns on and off every half hour or so for no apparent reason. To fix it, you’ll need to follow an easy step-by-step process.
Table Of Contents
Step-by-step Process of Fixing Sump Pump Running with No Rain Issue
Step 1. Check the float switch
Before you start, unplug the main pump and then turn off the circuit breakers. Check if your main pump works by manually turning it on. If the pump turns on, then you can proceed to the next step. If not, then you’ll need to remove the float switch from its holder and use a screwdriver to carefully turn it until it stops turning.
Step 2. Remove the float switch holder
The float switch is held in place with a small bracket that has two screws. Turn the bracket counterclockwise until it’s free from the float switch (use a screwdriver to turn it). Now, you can remove the float switch from its holder and then secure the assembly back in place. If the steps above don’t work, then again you’ll need to replace your main pump.
Step 3. Reset your sump pump
Take the float switch out of its holder, and then use a plumbers wrench to turn the bottom rotor clockwise by 90 degrees. Be careful not to touch the bottom rotor. You can now put the bolt back in place, and then re-connect it to the sump pump.
Step 4. Test your sump pump
Then you need to test your sump pump to ensure that it is working properly. Turn on the electrical circuit breaker and then check if the water level is rising. If you don’t see any water, then repeat the previous steps. Please be patient while your sump pump calibrates itself correctly, since it can take up to 48 hours.
Step 5. Make sure your sump pump is sealed properly
If your sump pump is running too frequently, then it may indicate a problem with the float switch itself. The main causes of float switch malfunction are water leakages and improper sealing.
Once you’ve tested and ensured that your sump pump is working properly, then you’ll want to inspect the outside of your house’s foundation for any signs of water leakage. If you want to make sure that everything is sealed as it should be, then you can use a moisture meter to do an internal inspection of your home’s foundation.
If your sump pump is covered by a warranty, then contact the manufacturer for further instructions. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay for the costs of parts and labor needed to replace your main pump. If it’s the float switch that’s malfunctioning, then you may be able to replace it yourself or call a plumber to do it.
If your main pump didn’t come with a warranty, then you can purchase a new one or use the services of a plumber. The best thing to do if you experience this problem is to call a service technician who has experience in sump pump repair. This way, you won’t waste your time replacing parts that areইn’t worn out and may cause bigger problems and expenses in the future.
How Long Should a Sump Pump Run Per Cycle?
It’s a good question, and in most cases, the answer is “It depends”.
The simple answer is “It depends on how much water you want to remove from the sump pit and when you need to remove that water. If you leave the pump running too long, you will run into problems. From a performance perspective, running your sump pump too long may damage or destroy the sump pump.
If you are starting to see water collecting in or around your basement or crawlspace, it’s time to check the operation of your sump pump. If a sump pump does not have enough lift capacity, it will not remove all the water from the pit. ESPECIALLY if there is standing water. The water will not drain because the sump pump must lift that water and keep it moving up the pipe.
If your sump pump is working properly, there’s no need to worry about your basement flooding or damaging your foundation. You may still have standing water in the basement, but it won’t get any deeper and won’t damage anything until you need to refill the pit again. You can then just turn the pump off, retrieve the water and let it refill.
FAQ’s
1. Is it normal for sump pump to run when not raining?
Have you been wondering why your sump pump has started to kick in even without rain? It could be a result of increased groundwater around your home! A broken pipe, nearby construction activity or overflowing water sources can increase the amount of ground water which eventually finds its way into the foundation and basement area. This excess pooling then triggers the operation of your trusty sump pump so it’s able to keep up with flood control.
2. How often should a sump pump run with no rain?
How often should your sump pump run? A sump pump should only run when it is needed. This could be a significant amount, and for various reasons. If you live in a very wet climate, then the water table may be higher than your basement floor, which means that the pump could run 2 or 3 times a day for a couple of minutes.
3. What happens if a sump pump runs dry?
A dry sump pump pit may seem like a small problem, but it can end up costing you in the long run due to premature wear and tear on key components. While this could be an inconvenient expense, at least there’s one silver lining – it means that your flooding worries will likely not come true.
4. Why is my sump pump running without water?
A broken float switch can keep your sump pump running constantly. To recognize the problem, check whether it’s still pumping with no water present in its pit – that means you have a faulty float switch stuck on ‘ON’. A good way to maintain normal operation is for this device to kick-start when high waters enter and then shut off once they’re gone.
Final Words
Sump pumps are only needed when it’s raining at your home. If Sump Pump Running with NO Rain you can learn about it from the above discussion.
Maintaining a sump pump as much as possible is the most important part. By doing so, you won’t have to deal with a flooded basement and water damage that can be caused by a malfunctioning sump pump. As mentioned above, it’s best to contact a plumber who can schedule an appointment for your home’s sump pump system and provide the proper steps needed for the maintenance. You can either call or use an online form to schedule a service.