How long do sump pumps generally operate? We had some heavy rains a
couple of days ago, but our sump pump just kicked in today, and it's
been running for a few hours. We're first-time homeowners and haven't
had experience with this. I noticed that the outlet hose is moving a
bit, so it seems it's still pumping water out. The sump is covered
with a piece of plywood and it's hard to reach, so I can't see if
there's water in it.

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Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 21 Dec 2002 12:40 PST

By asking "How long do sump pumps generally operate" do you mean "how
long do they normally pump at any given time?" or do you mean "what is
the normal lifespan of a sump pump?"

Also, does "sump pump" in your case refer to a submersible pump that
is down in a drilled well used for drinking water, etc.?

tutuzdad-ga

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Clarification of Question by davebarak-ga on 22 Dec 2002 08:32 PST

Hello!

Actually, the question refers to how long a sump pump normally
operates at any given time. And in our case, the pump is one designed
to prevent flooding in a basement. Thanks!

Dave

Dear Dave,

Most sump pumps operate with a float that triggers the pump to turn
off and on.  According to the following site, if the pump is operating
properly the water level should lower relatively quickly and the pump
should shut off.  Most problems with sump pumps are float related.

http://www.sump-pump-info.com/

Additionally, according to Mr. Fix-it:

“If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during
heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted
in the crock.”
http://www.misterfix-it.com/Solutions/11Basement.html
http://www.dom.com/products/sump_genius/index.jsp


On the water outlet pipe of your pump there should be a check valve so
water doesn't get back in the sump when the pump shuts off. When water
flows back and forth it can cause the pump to turn on and off more
frequently than necessary and decrease the life of the pump.
http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/flood/sumppump.htm

Additional Information:
Preparing the sump pump
http://www.zoeller.com/zcopump/TechBriefs/SpringPumpPrep.htm

Search Strategy:
Sump pump operation
Sump pump float
Back up sump pump

I hope this is helpful,
gitana

Additional Infromation:

The Submersible, Sump Pump and Bilge Guide
http://www.feedforward.com.au/submersible_sump_pump.htm
 
The 'Sump Pumps, Submersible Pumps and Bilge Pumps Basic Selection,
Installation and Use Guide.' gives you a thorough checklist of the
important factors to consider with these pumps, their installation and
operation to get a long, failure-free, low-maintenance pump operating
life.