My Sump Pump Stopped Working. Now What?

Start With the Basics

Before assuming the worst, run through a quick checklist. Some sump pump failures have surprisingly simple causes.

Is it plugged in? 

Sump pumps are often plugged into a single outlet in a utility area where cords can get bumped or accidentally unplugged. Check that the pump is plugged in and the outlet has power. Test the outlet with something else if you’re unsure.

Has the circuit tripped? 

A tripped breaker can shut the pump off without any obvious sign. Head to your electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker. Reset it and see if the pump comes back on.

Is the float switch stuck? 

The float switch is what triggers your sump pump to turn on when water rises in the pit. If it gets wedged against the side of the basin or tangled in the cord, it won’t activate even when water is rising. Reach in and manually move the float to see if the pump kicks on.

Reasons the Pump Runs but Isn’t Keeping Up

If your pump is running but water is still rising, the issue might not be the motor itself.

• The discharge pipe is clogged or frozen. Water has to go somewhere when the pump runs. If the discharge line is blocked with debris or has frozen during a cold snap, water circulates right back into the pit. Check the pipe’s exterior exit point and make sure it’s clear.
• The pump is undersized for the job. Denver gets its share of intense spring storms, and a pump that worked fine for years can get overwhelmed when water is coming in faster than it can move it out. If your basement has flooded during heavy rain even with a working pump, sizing may be the issue.
• There’s an air lock in the pump. This happens when air gets trapped in the pump housing and prevents water from moving through properly. It’s less common, but a technician can diagnose and clear it quickly.

When the Pump Has Genuinely Failed

Sump pumps have a lifespan of roughly seven to ten years, sometimes less if they run frequently or handle high water volume. If your pump is older and not responding to any of the above fixes, it may simply be at the end of its life. A few signs that point to actual failure rather than a quick fix:

• The motor hums but nothing moves
• The pump runs continuously without cycling off
• You notice grinding or rattling sounds during operation
• The pump is visibly rusted or corroded

At that point, sump pump replacement is usually the right call. Trying to patch an aging pump ahead of storm season is a gamble that rarely pays off.

The Backup Pump Question

One thing Denver homeowners often don’t think about until it’s too late: a backup sump pump. If your primary pump fails during a power outage — which is exactly when storms knock power out — you have no protection at all. A battery-powered backup unit is inexpensive insurance compared to the cost of a flooded basement.

While you’re thinking about backup power, a backup battery storage system for your home can keep more than just your sump pump running when the grid goes down.

Don’t Wait on This One

Water in a basement moves fast. What starts as a damp corner can become standing water and serious structural damage within hours. If you’ve worked through the checklist above and the pump still isn’t running, this is a same-day situation.

Bell has been responding to Denver plumbing emergencies for nearly a century, and sump pump failures are exactly the kind of urgent call the team is set up to handle quickly. 

Reach out today and get someone out before the next storm rolls in.

Call (303) 731-5469