A sump pump only matters when you need it — and that is exactly when a failed one lets water in. If yours has stopped, is running nonstop, or never kicks on, here is what is going on.
Written bySteven Lockhart·Reviewed byMiguel Lopez, Owner & Licensed Plumber, New Pro Plumbing (CSLB #974600)·Last reviewedAugust 2026 · 8 min readQuick Answer
A sump pump fails when it will not turn on, runs constantly, or cannot keep up — from a stuck float switch, a tripped breaker, a clogged pit, or a burned-out motor. In West LA, sump pumps are less common than in wetter regions but are used in some homes with basements, crawlspaces, or drainage systems. New Pro repairs and replaces failed sump pumps across the Westside.
A sump pump sits in a pit and switches on when rising water lifts its float, pumping the water away. It fails in a few ways: it will not turn on (a stuck or disconnected float switch, a tripped breaker, or a dead motor), it runs constantly (a stuck float or a pit that keeps refilling), or it runs but cannot keep up (an undersized or worn pump, or a clogged intake or discharge).
Sump pump failure — Sump pump failure repair is the diagnosis and correction of a sump pump that will not run, runs constantly, or cannot keep up — from float switches and clogs to motor replacement.
Because a sump pump only earns its keep during heavy water, a failure often shows up at the worst moment — which is why testing it periodically, and calling an emergency plumber when it acts up, matters.
A stuck float switch, tripped breaker, or dead motor stops a pump from running when it should.
A stuck float or a pit that keeps refilling makes a pump run continuously and burn out.
A few checks point to the cause before we arrive.
Confirm it is plugged in and the breaker is not tripped.
A float stuck against the pit wall stops it switching on.
Pour water in to see if it kicks on and pumps out.
Debris in the pit can clog the pump intake.
A blocked discharge line stops outflow.
For a dead motor or persistent failure, we repair or replace it.
Water coming in fast? If a pipe is the source rather than groundwater, see burst pipe repair — and if you have lost water pressure entirely, see no water in the house. If drains are backing up too, that points to a main sewer line issue, not the sump.
Sump pump not keeping up? We will diagnose and fix it — call us.
Get a Free QuoteThe cruel logic of a sump pump is that it does nothing most of the time and everything during a storm — so a failure that has been quietly developing for months only reveals itself when water is actually rising. A float switch that has slowly drifted out of position, a motor near the end of its life, or a discharge line that has become blocked can all sit undetected until the moment the pit fills and the pump is supposed to save the day. That is why periodic testing matters more than for almost any other fixture.
Preparation is the whole game with sump pumps. Testing the pump before the rainy season, keeping the pit clear of debris, and confirming the discharge line is clear and directs water away from the foundation all reduce the odds of a failure at the worst time. Federal preparedness guidance from Ready.gov on floods emphasizes exactly this kind of before-the-storm readiness for homes at risk of water intrusion — and a working sump pump is a central part of it for the homes that have one.
When a pump does fail, we repair or replace it as licensed work you can verify with the CSLB (#974600), and we handle any associated drainage or discharge work — permitted through the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety where required. For a home that depends on its pump, we can also talk through a battery backup so a single failure or a power outage does not mean a flooded space.
Switches and clogs are fixable; a burned-out motor usually is not.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Will not turn on | Float / breaker / motor | Reset or replace |
| Runs nonstop | Stuck float / inflow | Free float / assess |
| Runs, no water moves | Clog or dead impeller | Clear or replace |
We repair the cause or replace the pump, and can add a backup — flat-rate, the way 24/7 emergency plumbing should be.
Freeing a stuck float or clearing a clog is inexpensive; replacing the pump is the larger cost, mostly the unit and installation. Because a stuck float is so often mistaken for a dead pump, we check the simple causes first. For a home that depends on its sump pump, a battery backup is worth discussing.
We check the cheap fixes first — see how our emergency plumbing service prices flat-rate.
A homeowner with a crawlspace sump finds standing water after a storm and a pump that will not run.
New Pro finds the float switch stuck against the pit wall, frees and repositions it, and tests the pump.
The pump kicks on and clears the pit, and a discussion of a battery backup follows for next time.
The Bottom Line
A sump pump is easy to forget until water is rising and it does not run. Most failures are a stuck float, a clog, or a tripped breaker — all fixable — but a burned-out motor means replacement. If your home relies on one, test it periodically and consider a battery backup, because it fails exactly when you need it.
The most common reasons are a float switch that is stuck, misaligned, or disconnected — the float has to rise with the water to trigger the pump — a tripped circuit breaker or unplugged unit, or a burned-out motor. Start by confirming it has power and that the float can move freely and is not wedged against the pit wall. If it has power and the float is free but it still will not run, the motor or switch has likely failed and needs professional attention.
A pump that runs constantly usually has either a float switch stuck in the on position, or a pit that keeps refilling faster than it should — from a high water table, a continuous inflow, or a discharge line that is blocked or draining back into the pit. Running nonstop will burn out the motor, so it needs to be addressed. We check whether it is a stuck float, a check-valve problem, or genuine excess water reaching the pit.
They are less common in West LA than in wetter, colder regions with basements and high water tables, since many local homes are built on slabs. But they are used in some homes — those with basements, below-grade areas, crawlspaces prone to moisture, or engineered drainage systems, and in lower-lying or hillside properties. If your home has one, it is there for a reason, and keeping it working matters during heavy rain.
A sump pump typically lasts around 7 to 10 years, though it depends heavily on how often it runs — a pump that cycles constantly wears out faster than one that rarely activates. Because they fail silently and only matter when water is rising, it is worth testing yours periodically by pouring water into the pit to confirm it kicks on and pumps out. An aging pump that struggles or has failed before is a candidate for replacement before the next big storm.
For a home that genuinely relies on its sump pump to stay dry, a backup is worth considering, because primary pumps fail and power outages often coincide with the storms when you need pumping most. A battery-backup pump takes over if the primary fails or the power goes out, and some homeowners add a water alarm to catch a rising pit early. Whether it is warranted depends on how much your home depends on the pump, which we are happy to assess.
Written by the New Pro Plumbing content team and reviewed for technical accuracy by Miguel Lopez, owner and California-licensed plumber (CSLB #974600). Guidance follows U.S. EPA, CSLB, and LADBS sources where cited. Any figures reflect New Pro Plumbing's flat-rate practice and West LA conditions, not a quote — we confirm pricing in writing before any work begins.
Last reviewed: August 2026.
Honest diagnosis, flat-rate price agreed first, and a clean, code-compliant fix from a family-owned Westside plumber.
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
We've received your request and will be in touch within 24 hours.
Verified Google reviews of New Pro Plumbing — same-day calls, honest flat-rate quotes, and clean, careful work.
