Is It Safe To Unplug A Sump Pump?

Recently, we found that many homeowners unplugged their sump pumps in some situations. This led to people questioning if it’s safe to unplug the sump pump. If that’s why you are here, we’ll help you out.

It’s okay to unplug the sump pump only for a brief period when you are checking it out or cleaning it. Freezing temperatures and a sump pump running constantly is not a good reason to unplug your sump pump. In conclusion, never unplug your sump pump longer than is strictly necessary to fix a problem.

If the short answer is not enough for you, and you feel like you need to know the whole story, just keep reading.

When should you NOT unplug your sump pump?

Although there is only one good reason why someone would unplug their sump pump, homeowners still unplug it in certain situations, when they think that unplugging it is the only solution available.

Freezing temperatures

Now, it’s important that I mention this again, freezing temperatures are not a good reason to unplug your sump pump! Water can still flow in your pit even if the ground outside is frozen.

As I’m sure most of you know, in freezing temperatures, discharge lines can freeze and get clogged. This may cause the motor to burn out.

This really is a genuine concern, however, unplugging the sump pump for the rest of winter is not a solution. You will still need your sump pump.

If this is the problem you are facing, unplug the sump pump and unfreeze the discharge lines with hot water, and plug the sump pump again. It’s that simple.

I can’t stress this enough, do not unplug your sump pump for a long period of time in freezing temperatures! Solve the problem, don’t ignore it.

Let’s jump into the next scenario where you may be tempted to unplug your sump pump, but really shouldn’t.

Sump pump running constantly

The concern with a sump pump that won’t stop running is the same with the freezing temperatures one, the motor may burn out. However, this is still not a good reason to unplug your sump pump.

Why is your sump pump running constantly?

The most common reason is a stuck float switch, when it’s stuck the pump thinks that it needs to keep on working. This usually happens on sump pumps that use a vertical float switch.

A broken check valve is also a common cause of a sump pump running constantly. When the valve is broken, water flows back in the pit. I’m sure most of you know this.

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.

No matter what the reason is, don’t unplug your sump pump. Locate the problem and solve it, you may also call a professional for help.

These were the situations where unplugging your sump pump is not a good idea, let’s see when you should unplug your sump pump.

When to unplug your sump pump?

Of course, sometimes you need to unplug your sump pump, otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to keep it in good shape and locate a problem when needed. But in these situations, your sump pump is only unplugged for a short period of time.

Cleaning your sump pump

Every responsible homeowner knows that from time to time, the sump pump needs to be cleaned. You don’t want your sump pump to die in its first year. Maintenance is the key to a long-lasting sump pump.

Obviously, this means that the sump pump will only be unplugged while you are cleaning it. After that, you need to put the pump back in, so it can do its job.

However, cleaning the sump pump is not the only situation where unplugging it is a necessity.

Locating a problem

If you feel like something is wrong with your sump pump, you don’t just ignore that, you go and inspect your sump pump and fix the issue that is causing you unrest.

Sometimes you will need to take the pump out of the basin in order to locate where the pump fails, this means that you will need to unplug your pump.

If you can fix the issue, do that, and put the pump back in. However, if the pump is not for use anymore, buy a pump as soon as possible.

These are the only situations where unplugging your pump is the right thing to do. Keep in mind, that you can’t predict when you will need your sump pump.

Related questions

Can my switch fail after I turn off my sump pump?

Yes, it can, if the water tank is empty when you turn off your pump, the switch may get stuck, and not get lifted when the water tank fills again. Make sure to check it out every time you turn off your pump.

Can a basement get flooded in freezing temperatures?

Of course, it can, don’t let the frozen ground fool you. Water always finds a way to the top, don’t think that you don’t need a sump pump in the winter. If you are afraid that the lines may freeze, consult a professional.