How To Fix Short Cycling Sump Pump?

The most common reason for a sump pump to short cycle is because the float switch is stuck in the “on” position.

A plumber was once called to a home to fix a short cycling sump pump. The homeowner had been having issues with the pump turning on and off too frequently. The plumber took a look at the pump and found that the float switch was stuck in the “on” position. The plumber was able to fix the problem by replacing the float switch. The homeowner was very grateful and was able to save money on their water bill.

How To Fix A Sump Pump That Short Cycles?

The float switch may be stuck, preventing the pump from shutting off.

If your sump pump keeps turning on and off frequently, it’s called “short cycling.” Short cycling wastes energy, causes premature wear on your pump, and can lead to flooding if the problem isn’t fixed.

There are several possible causes of short cycling, but the most common is a float switch that is stuck in the “on” position. This causes the pump to turn on as soon as water starts to enter the sump pit, instead of waiting until the pit is full.

Here’s how to fix a sump pump that short cycles:

1. Check the float switch. If it’s stuck in the “on” position, gently push it up or down until it moves freely.

2. If the float switch is not the problem, check the impeller (the part of the pump that moves the water). If it’s clogged with debris, clean it out.

3. If the impeller is not the problem, the most likely cause is a faulty pressure switch. This is a more serious problem that will require the help of a professional.

4. If your sump pump is still short cycling after following these steps, it’s time to call a professional.

Short cycling is a common problem with sump pumps, but it’s usually easy to fix. If you can’t seem to fix the problem, call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Why Does My Sump Pump Short Cycle?

This is usually caused by a clog in the discharge pipe.

If your sump pump is short cycling, it means it’s turning on and off too frequently. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a clogged or damaged pump, a float switch that’s stuck in the “on” position, or a faulty check valve. Short cycling can also be caused by an issue with your home’s drainage system, such as a clogged or blocked sewer line.

If your sump pump is short cycling, the first thing you should do is check the float switch. The float switch is what tells the pump when to turn on and off, and if it’s stuck in the “on” position, the pump will keep running even when there’s no water to pump out. To check the float switch, simply turn off the power to the pump and then remove the float switch from the sump pit. If the float switch is stuck in the “on” position, you’ll need to replace it.

If the float switch isn’t the issue, then the next thing to check is the check valve. The check valve prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit, and if it’s not working properly, water can leak back into the pit and cause the pump to turn on and off frequently. To check the check valve, simply remove it from the sump pit and then blow through it. If air doesn’t pass through easily, then the check valve needs to be replaced.

If the check valve is working properly and the float switch is in the correct position, then the issue is likely with your home’s drainage system. A clogged or blocked sewer line can cause water to back up into the sump pit, which will cause the pump to turn on and off frequently. If you suspect that your sewer line is the issue, you’ll need to call a plumber to have it repaired or replaced.

FAQ

Conclusion

If your sump pump is short cycling, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, check the float switch to make sure it is not stuck in the ON position. If the float switch is stuck, you can try gently tapping it with a hammer to loosen it. If that does not work, you can try replacing the float switch. Another possible cause of short cycling is a clogged intake screen. You can clean the intake screen by removing it and using a wire brush to remove any debris. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the sump pump.

Hopefully, you are clear now on how to fix a short cycling sump pump. If you still have any questions, feel free to comment below.