How Long Can A Sump Pump Run Continuously?
If your sump pump is running continuously, it may be a cause for concern. Sump pumps can burn out if they keep running for too long. It’s useful to know how long can a sump pump run continuously.
It depends on the quality of the sump pump, and the amount of water that comes in your sump pit. High-quality sump pumps can run for 20-24 hours straight, low-quality sump pumps can run for 6-18. After that, the sump pump requires a break.
But there’s a little more to know. If you are dealing with a sump pump running continuously, you would want to keep reading.
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Prevent your sump pump from burning out
Newer models of sump pumps have thermal protection. The thermal protection protects the sump pump motor from getting too hot. If the sump pump is close to burning out, the thermal relay will shut it off. That’s why we highly recommend getting a sump pump with thermal protection.
Intermittent vs continuous duty
There are two kinds of motors for sump pumps. Those designed for intermittent duty, and those designed for continuous duty. The ones designed for intermittent duty have an average duty cycle of 20 minutes per hour. They can run longer, but it will shorten the sump pump life significantly. The ones designed for continuous duty can run for 24 hours straight. An example of a sump pump like this is the Liberty Pumps 247.
Keep in mind that if you buy a sump pump designed for continuous duty, you need to make sure that you actually need it. In other words, a continuous-duty sump pump is needed only when there is water in your sump pit for 24 hours a day. If your sump pit does not fill that much, you don’t need a continuous-duty sump pump.
The dangers of a sump pump running continuously
If your sump pump is running continuously, make sure that it has a good reason for that. If it’s not rainy season and your sump pump won’t stop running, there is a problem. Sump pumps will run continuously for various reasons.
First, check if your switch activator is stuck. This usually happens on sump pumps that use a float activator. If your switch is stuck, the sump pump will think that there is water in the sump pit.
Check the valve on the sump pump. If the valve is broken, water will flow back. This may cause the sump pump to overheat.
Your sump pump will run continuously if it isn’t properly installed. Make sure to put your discharge lines on a slight slope in order to prevent clogging.
Also, your sump pump will run continuously if the sump pump is not the appropriate size. Make sure your sump pump fits the needs of your sump pit.
The best thing you can do is think ahead before buying. If you know what you need, you shouldn’t have a problem with your sump pump.
Related questions
What is the average lifespan of a sump pump?
It depends on the model you buy, and how you maintain it. While the average lifespan of a sump pump is 10 years, manufacturers recommend changing your sump pump every 5 years.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run continuously?
During the rainy season, the longest it should run before taking a break is 24 hours. If it’s the dry season, your sump pump should not run continuously. Make sure to check for problems.
What’s the cost of replacing a sump pump?
With the help of a professional, from $450 to $600. If you are installing the sump pump yourself, you need to pay only for the sump pump, which is usually somewhere from $100 to $200.
