Sump pump running constantly
Urgency
4/5
Honest verdict: this one's worth a pro$300–$1,500Typical repair cost
Likely causes, most common first
- High water table season (spring) genuinely feeding the pit — may be 'working as designed'
- Stuck float or check-valve failure recycling the same water forever
- Discharge line dumping too close, so the water just comes back around
Do this right now
- Look in the pit: water actually refilling, or pump short-cycling on the same water?
- Follow the discharge outside — it should release 10+ feet from the foundation, downhill
- Test the float by lifting it; listen for the check valve clunk after each cycle
DIY or call a pro?
A constantly-running pump is on borrowed time, and pumps fail during the storm, not before it. Valve/float/discharge fixes are quick; adding a battery backup while we're there is the cheapest flood insurance in the house.