Pump not working during a storm
If the pit is filling and the pump will not start, treat it as an emergency. Our line is open 24/7 and we book same-day visits when available. While you wait, you can check a few simple things yourself.
- Confirm the pump is plugged in and the outlet works. Many sump pumps use a GFCI outlet that can trip.
- Check the breaker, but do not touch the panel if the floor is wet.
- Lift the float by hand if you can do so safely. If the pump starts, the switch is the problem.
- Remove debris from the pit and look for a stuck float.
- Move stored items off the floor and shut off power to wet appliances.
Safety first
Do not wade into standing water if the pump, a power cord or the panel is in or near it. Wait for help.
Pump failed and water rising? Call now.
Symptoms of a failing pump
- Runs constantlyA stuck float or a check valve that has failed sends water back into the pit.
- Never switches onA dead motor, tripped outlet or a jammed float.
- Loud grinding or rattlingWorn bearings or a damaged impeller.
- Pump cycles fastThe pit is too small, the check valve is bad, or the float is set poorly.
- Water in the pit that does not leaveA clogged discharge line or a frozen outlet.
- Pump older than most of the house's appliancesPumps wear out over time even when they seem to work.
Standards behind sump pumps
Sump pumps are tested under UL 778 for motor-operated water pumps, and discharge piping and any new connection fall under New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code plumbing subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15). A pump with a bad float switch is usually a cheaper fix than one with a failed motor, so ask which part is failing.
Why Manchester Township pits behave the way they do
The township sits in the New Jersey Pinelands, where soil is sandy and drains quickly. In many places the ground soaks up rain fast, so sump pits may run only during heavy storms or when the water table is high. A pump that sits idle for months is easy to forget, and then it fails when it is needed.
Because we do not know the water table depth at your address, do not assume you do or do not need a pump from the neighborhood alone. A plumber can see whether your basement or crawl space actually takes on water.
About half of the homes here were built before 1980. Older houses with basements or crawl spaces are the ones where a sump or an ejector pit is more likely to exist. Test yours twice a year by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and watching the pump start.
If your property is on a private well, the pump and the well pump are separate systems. Ask which one is making noise before you call.
Sump pump or ejector pump
| Type | Job | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Sump pump | Moves groundwater or rainwater away from the foundation | Pit in a basement floor or crawl space |
| Ejector pump | Lifts wastewater from a basement bath or laundry up to the sewer line | Sealed pit with a lid, often near a basement toilet |
| Battery backup | Runs the sump when power fails | Second pump or unit beside the main pump |
An ejector pit has a sealed lid because it handles sewage. Call a plumber before opening one.
Repair, replace or add a backup
Many failures are small. A new float switch or check valve can bring a pump back. If the motor is worn or the pump is older, replacement usually makes more sense than another repair.
- Diagnose the cause: switch, power, check valve, motor or blocked discharge.
- Clean the pit and test the float.
- Repair or replace the pump to suit the pit size and the volume of water.
- Check the discharge line routes water well away from the house.
- Add a battery backup or an alarm if the home loses power in storms.
Power outages often come with storms, which is when the pump is needed most. A backup system is a sensible addition if the basement has ever taken on water.
What affects sump pump pricing
- Repair or replacementA switch is smaller than a new pump.
- Pump size and typeHorsepower and pedestal or submersible styles differ.
- Pit conditionA cracked or undersized pit may need to be redone.
- Discharge routingLonger or frozen lines add work.
- Backup systemA battery unit adds parts and install time.
You get a clear price before work starts. Call (609) 547-1417 to describe your pit.
When the problem is bigger than the pump
A pump that cannot keep up can point to groundwater entering where it should not. We cover the plumbing side, including pumps, pit connections, floor drains and supply leaks. See basement waterproofing for what we do and what belongs to another trade.
If the water has a sewer smell, see sewer line repair. For hidden supply leaks, see leak detection. We also serve Lakehurst, Jackson and Toms River.
Want the pump looked at before the next storm? Call and book a time.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The line is open 24/7 and a plumber can come the same day when available. Check the plug and breaker, remove debris from the pit, and keep out of standing water near electrical items.
It varies with use and quality. If your pump is old, makes new noises or has never been tested, replacement before the wet season is a sensible plan.
A stuck float, a bad check valve or a high water table are the usual causes. A plumber can find out which.
If your basement has taken on water or storms often cut power, it is worth adding. A primary pump does nothing without electricity.
It lifts wastewater from a basement bathroom or laundry up to the sewer line. The pit is sealed, and it should be serviced by a plumber.
Not every house needs one. Sandy soil drains quickly, but low spots and high water tables exist. A plumber can look at your basement or crawl space.
We handle the plumbing side of a wet basement. Structural and exterior waterproofing may need another trade.