My sump pump is working continuously for 6 days now. Is it a fire Hazard?

Question

There is a drainage problem near my house. So for last 3 months my sump pump was working every 5-6 minutes. Now it is working continuously. I called Service Professionals and he replaced the pump. I paid around $600. I feel like I paid too much. The new pump is Zoeller brand. Do u really have to pay this much to replace the sump pump. Please advice. Atleast I can be of help to somebody else, if I know the resonable price.

Answer 1

Zoeller is about the best sump pump you can buy.  Pricey, but a good pump.  Depending upon the model and your market, the pump would be in the $200 - $300 range in the box.  

$600 installed may be a bit much, but it somewhat depends upon labor costs in your market.  I would not call it extremely excessive, nor would I loose any sleep over the price.

The pump running continuous should not be a problem as long as it is pumping water.  Running dry would be a problem (if the float switch was stuck), but the water will cool the internal parts and minimize the potential for problems.

On another note, the drainage problem really needs to be addressed.  You are pumping the water out, but water running in under or around your foundation will erode the supporting soil and may cause more serious problems later.

Answer 2

A Zoeller is a good pump, and usually readily available. My guess is, the tech had to come to your house, go for parts, and install the new pump. I have done this type of work for years, and I think this price is reasonable. In fact, I would probably recommend you have a second for a backup. Good luck.

Answer 3

Something sounds wrong. If a pump works all the time then the motor is still fine. You should then have a faulty float switch. Surely you could have negotiated a service exchange or a repair to the pump. We have the float switches fail and we fit external switches and a simple circuit where it connects in. Pumps should have fluid to cool them but if the ambient temperature is low you can run it for a long time.

Answer 4

U had better check if the water is actually emptying out. A sump pump should not run that long. Check to see where the water is coming in from, maybe your sump-pump line is plugged, if all else fails pump outside.