Pump will not turn on
We check power, the float switch and the motor, then fix or replace what failed.

Photo by Oleksandr Chernobai on Unsplash
Sump pump not running, running nonstop or water in the basement? We repair and replace sump pumps and add battery backups across York County. Open 24/7.
From older basements in York to homes near the Susquehanna River in Etters, we keep York County basements dry.
We check power, the float switch and the motor, then fix or replace what failed.
Usually a stuck float, a failed check valve or a pump too small for the water coming in.
A float that sticks or tangles stops the pump from starting. We free it or replace the switch.
Humming with no pumping, or no sound at all. A dead motor usually means a new pump.
We remove the old pump and install a new one sized for your basement and water level.
No pump yet and water keeps coming in? We install a pit, pump and discharge line.
A second pump that runs on a battery when the power goes out during a storm.
A broken check valve lets water fall back into the pit, so the pump runs twice as much.
In winter the outside line can freeze and back water up. For frozen house pipes, see our burst pipe repair service.
Mud, gravel and debris clog the pump intake. We clean the pit and the screen.
A loud alarm that warns you when water rises too high in the pit, before the floor gets wet.
Water rising right now? Our emergency plumbing service gets your pump running 24/7.

Not all basement water is groundwater. Here is how to tell.
| What you see | Likely cause | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Water after heavy rain or snowmelt | Groundwater, pump not keeping up | Sump pump repair or a bigger pump |
| Water during a power outage | Pump has no power | Battery backup pump |
| Water near the pit, pump silent | Stuck float or dead motor | Float repair or new pump |
| Water on a dry day, near pipes | Leaking pipe or water heater | Leak detection |
| Water coming up the floor drain | Blocked main drain or sewer | Drain cleaning |
Snowmelt and spring rain raise the water table under your home.
The most common causes are a tripped breaker or unplugged cord, a float switch stuck against the side of the pit, a burned-out motor, or a clogged intake screen. Check the power first. If it still will not run, call us.
A pump that never stops may have a stuck float switch, a broken check valve letting water flow back into the pit, or a pump that is too small for the amount of water coming in. A high water table in a wet spring can also keep it busy.
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit until the float rises. The pump should turn on, empty the pit and shut off on its own. If it does not start, hums without pumping or does not shut off, it needs repair.
If your basement has ever taken on water, or you have finished space down there, a battery backup is a smart idea. Storms that bring heavy rain often knock out power, and that is exactly when your main pump needs to run.
The discharge line should carry water well away from your foundation, so it does not soak back into the ground and return to the pit. Many towns do not allow sump pumps to drain into the sanitary sewer, so check local rules. We can reroute a line that drains too close to the house.
Many sump pumps last about 7 to 10 years, depending on how often they run. A pump that runs a lot in a wet basement may wear out sooner. If yours is older and you have finished space below grade, consider replacing it before it fails.
Plumbing problem right now?
Tell us what is going on and we will get a plumber headed your way anywhere in York County.