When a deluge hits the Chesterfield area, knowing you have a flood prevention system in place can be quite a relief. How long will sump pumps run after heavy rain? It may take a while for the sump pump to remove all of the water from the lowest level of your home after a grand storm, but there’s no simple answer here.
As a trusted plumber in Chesterfield, VA, Triangle Plumbing Services has all the answers you need, plus advice on when to get help with a malfunctioning sump pump.
How Sump Pumps Actually Work
Typically, Chesterfield, Virginia, receives several inches of rain per month, with occasional storms dropping quite a bit on a single day. Investing in a sump pump keeps all of that water from infiltrating your home and foundation by ensuring the basement or crawlspace remains dry. The pumps are especially helpful for homes built on a high water table or with drainage issues, but how long will sump pumps run after heavy rain?
For a better idea of this duration, let’s look at how the sump pump works.
- You might install the sump pump in a sump basin – a pit situated in the lowest part of your property.
- When the pit fills with water during heavy rain, the pump cycle automatically starts.
- The motor gets the pump to move water through the basin and away from the foundation, protecting your home from water damage.
In most cases, the pump will only run as long as necessary to reduce the water level. Once it gets below the float level, the pump should switch off. So, expect the pump cycle to continue for the duration of the storm and, in some cases, a few days longer until the water has stopped draining into the pit.
How Long a Sump Pump Should Run After a Storm
If you notice longer-than-average cycles, it’s reasonable to ask, “How long will sump pumps run after heavy rain?” The pump might run slightly longer than unusual to account for extra water volume, but you shouldn’t hear that familiar humming noise continuously for more than six hours. At most, a pump should only run for a maximum of 24 hours, and that’s only after extreme rainfall.
Are you hearing your sump pump cycling on and off, even after the rain stops and everything dries out? Has it been running nonstop for several days? There’s a problem.
Why Your Chesterfield Sump Pump Might Continue Running
One important thing to know about sump pumps is that they should not run if the sump basin is dry. If the pump keeps turning on without any water in the pit, it won’t take long to break as the motor will likely overheat. Even if there’s a bit of water in the basin, the pump should only run for a short time to avoid wear and tear that shortens the unit’s lifespan.
What causes longer-than-normal sump pump cycles? Most times, it’s a mechanical issue or these common sump pump problems:
- Wiring and electrical issues
- Power fluctuations
- A broken float switch
- A clogged discharge pipe
- Damage to the pump mechanism
- Manufacturing defects
Any of these issues can cause your sump pump to run longer than necessary, which will easily shave years off of its useful life.
Keep Your Sump Pump Working Reliably
How long will a sump pump run after heavy rain? Knowing the answer can help you take action more quickly if you notice an issue after a lot of rain in Chesterfield, Virginia. It’s not normal for your property’s sump pump to keep running for a few days continuously, and part of taking care of the pump is recognizing when it is working too hard. If you notice it cycling for more than six hours or when there’s no water in the pit, call a plumber like Triangle Plumbing Services to take a look.
It’s also great to clean and test the pump before each storm and have a plumber perform annual maintenance to ensure its mechanical components remain in good condition. That way, you won’t have to deal with repairs or, worse, flooding.
Get Triangle Plumbing Services’ Help and Keep Your Chesterfield Home Dry
Are you still asking, “How long will sump pumps run after heavy rain?” Whether you’d like a more specific answer or you’re exploring the many advantages of plumbing maintenance, Triangle Plumbing Services would love to help. If you have a problem with your current sump pump, want to install a new drainage system, or require maintenance, call us for reliable, licensed, and insured plumbers in Chesterfield, Virginia!
