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Why Is My Sump Pump Constantly Running?

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, over 60 percent of homes in the U.S. suffer from below-ground wetness. A sump pump is an…

May 05, 2026
Why Is My Sump Pump Constantly Running?

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, over 60 percent of homes in the U.S. suffer from below-ground wetness. A sump pump is an invaluable device, especially if you live in a property that lies in areas under the waterbed, prone to floods, or get a lot of snow. Though it works around the clock, it should not be running constantly. If your sump pump is constantly running, then it runs the risk of wearing out its motor prematurely. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey has plenty of experience with sump pumps and we are happy to share some insight on sump pumps that are constantly running. We recommend you check three common culprits: the float switch, check valve, and discharge pipe. If you have any specific questions or conces, feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

Why Is My Sump Pump Constantly Running?

Check the Float Switch

The float switch is what senses when the sump pump should tu on. The float rests on the surface of the water in the sump pit and rises or falls along with the water level. When the water rises to a certain level, it lifts the float and triggers the switch that initiates the pumping sequence. Water is pulled out and discharged through the discharge pipe until the water level, and float, retus to the neutral point.
If the float switch gets stuck, it will keep the pump activated. Check to make sure that the float and its arm are not tangled or stuck on electrical cords. If it is tangled, then tu off the power and untangle the parts. If there is no obstruction, then the float switch may be faulty and need to be replaced. Check the other possibilities before replacing the float switch though.

The Check Valve

A check valve allows water to flow out of the sump pit but prevents that same water from retuing. If the check valve is faulty, then it will allow the wastewater to retu into the sump pit, causing a nonstop loop that continuously triggers the sump pump.
Take a look at your check valve. It should be held in place with sturdy ring clamps and not wo out. If the check valve is improperly installed or wo out, then remove it to take with you to the local hardware store for a replacement purchase. Head back home and swap out the old part with the new one.

Clogged Discharge Pipe

The wastewater pumped out of the sump pit needs somewhere to go. That is where the discharge pipe comes in. However, the discharge pipe can become clogged with sediment and debris, sending water back up to the sump pit. This is obviously going to activate the sump pump and lead to an ever-running pump.
Grab a plunger or drain snake to loosen up the blockage. If these methods do not work, then you can call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey to hire a m. We are available around the clock to take your call and dispatch a professional plumber

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