Sump Pump switches on but not pumping?

Question

My sump pump is not pumping right now. I hear a humming sound once the weight pushes it on but it's not pumping any water. I tried to unplug it and plug it back in. That didn't work. I do not see any reset switch on the pump itself. Any ideas?

I'm thinking it might have to do with the motor...maybe it burned out. It's been running almost nonstop some days. It was running this morning when I went in the basement for who knows how long. It could have been all night.

Answer 1

If it is humming, there is something blocking the impellor or the shaft is broken. remove the pump from the sump and look at the bottom. You may be able to see what is causing it. May need to remove the bottom section to clear it.

Answer 2

It's fine to set the float up as high as you can while still capturing the water in the sump and not over flow it. Running the pump less, without overflowing the sump will allow your pump to last longer. Constant on and off operation shortens pump life and is just generally annoying.

Answer 3

Mine did that and I ended up with 10 inches of water in my basement before I could get a new one installed. As far as I'm aware, once they stop pumping you you have to replace them. My suggestion is to go get a new one. You should be able to find one at any hardware store for less than $100.

Answer 4

The flux gap will not maintain a uniform clearance if the bushing is worn. lift it out, to check how it rotates, you can open the bottom screen and see if something has it bound from turning, stuck in the pump vanes. It's called and spelled impeller, not impellor.

Answer 5

the intake may be clogged but more than likely the motor has burned up. if it was left running without pumping water(like when the on/off float gets stuck) it will burn up quickly.

It there is nothing clogging the intake then that is probably the problem