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Rochester Foundation Repair Co

Serving Rochester and nearby areas

Sump Pump Running Constantly in Rochester, NY

A sump pump that runs nonstop in a Rochester basement means a lot of water is reaching the pit or the pump has a fault, and a free inspection tells you which before the pump burns out.

Call now: (585) 449-9661 or book your free inspection online

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Tell us what you are seeing. A local specialist calls you back the same business day.

Local to Rochester

We connect property owners in Rochester and nearby areas, including Corn Hill, South Wedge, Park Avenue, 19th Ward, Greece and Irondequoit, with one independent local foundation repair specialist.

  • Lake plain soils hold water

    USDA says the Canandaigua soil of the western New York lake plains is poorly drained and formed in old lake silt. On soil like this, groundwater sits close to the basement floor.

  • Spring keeps the ground soaked

    The National Weather Service says spring is the driest season around Rochester on average, but the soils are wet. That is when pumps run the most.

  • High lake years

    In 2017, high Lake Ontario water flooded shoreline homes from Hamlin to Webster, including parts of Greece and Irondequoit. In high-water years, lakeside basements see more water.

What it costs

Typical published ranges for Rochester. The contractor's written estimate is the price, and the inspection is free.

WorkTypical range
Inspection and written estimate Free
New sump pump installed $600 to $2,500
Inside drain along the walls $40 to $120per linear foot
Gutters and downspout extensions $3 to $30per linear foot
Regrading the yard $500 to $3,000

See typical foundation repair prices in Rochester

What you will notice

A sump pump sits in a pit in the basement floor. Water from the ground or a drain fills the pit, a float rises, and the pump turns on. Here is what a problem looks like.

It runs every few minutes for days

Even after the rain stopped.

It runs in dry weather

No rain or melt, but the pit keeps filling.

It clicks on with no water

The pump runs, but the pit is nearly empty.

It hums but no water moves

The motor runs and the level does not drop.

Water runs back into the pit

When the pump shuts off, you hear water flow back.

The discharge line is frozen

In winter, water backs up because the outside pipe is blocked.

Why pumps work so hard in Rochester

Wet ground. Much of the Rochester area sits on dense glacial till or old lake silt. USDA describes the Canandaigua soil of the lake plains as poorly drained. Water does not soak away fast. It collects near the house, and the drain around the basement sends it to the pit.

Snow and thaw. The National Weather Service says Rochester gets about 90 inches of snow in a season, with frequent thaws and rain through the winter. Every melt adds water to the ground. In spring the soils stay wet, and pumps run the most.

Low spots and the lake. Homes in low spots, near creeks, or near the Lake Ontario shore see more groundwater. In 2017, high lake water flooded shoreline areas from Hamlin to Webster.

Your own roof. Gutters and downspouts that dump next to the house send that water right back to the pit. The pump moves the same water in a loop.

Water problem or pump problem?

Lift the pit cover and watch for a few minutes.

Water pours in from the pipes

The pit fills from the drain lines fast. This is a water problem: high groundwater or roof water.

Water comes back after it shuts off

The check valve on the discharge pipe may be bad, so the same water drains back in.

The pump turns on with little water

The float switch may be stuck or set too low.

The pump runs and the level stays the same

The pump may be worn out, too small, or the line is blocked or frozen.

The pit fills only in dry weather

Check for a leaking water line or a pipe that drains into the pit.

When it is minor and when it is urgent

Worth watching:

  • Steady running only during a big melt or storm.
  • A pump that rests once the weather dries out.

Call soon:

  • Nonstop running for days in dry weather.
  • A pump that is more than a few years old and runs hard every spring.
  • Damp walls or water at the base of the wall while the pump runs.

Call right away:

  • Water coming over the top of the pit.
  • A pump that hums but does not move water.
  • No backup and a storm on the way.

How it usually gets fixed

Pump repair or swap

A new float, check valve or a bigger pump fixes many faults.

Backup pump

A battery backup keeps running when the power goes out.

Fix the discharge

Run the line well away from the house and protect it from freezing.

Move roof water

Longer downspouts and better grading cut the water the pump has to handle.

Better drainage

If groundwater is the cause, a full inside drain or outside work may be needed.

What it typically costs

These are typical national ranges from published cost guides, not a quote. A float or check valve costs far less than new drainage. The cost guide has more.

What to do before the inspection

  1. Time the pump. Count how many times it runs in an hour, and note the weather.
  2. Watch the pit. Note where the water comes from and if it flows back.
  3. Check the outside line. Make sure it is not frozen, crushed or dumping next to the house.
  4. Look at the walls. Note any damp spots near the pit or along the floor.
  5. Clear the area. Make room around the pit and the main drain line.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a sump pump run?

It depends on the weather and your lot. During a big rain or snowmelt, running every few minutes can be normal. Running all the time in dry weather, or turning on with no water coming in, points to a problem.

Why does my sump pump run when it has not rained?

Water in the ground can keep flowing for days after a storm or thaw. If it never stops, groundwater may be high under the house. A leaking pipe or a stuck float switch can also make it run.

Will a pump that runs all the time burn out?

It wears out faster. Pumps are not built to run without a break. If yours runs nonstop, have it checked, and think about a backup pump in case it quits during a storm.

Can my sump pump drain into the sewer?

Monroe County asks owners to disconnect sump pumps and downspouts from the sanitary sewer. Extra water in the sewer adds to backups. Your pump should discharge outside, away from the house.

Do I need a backup sump pump?

If your pump runs a lot, a backup is worth thinking about. Storms often bring power outages, which is when the main pump stops. A battery or water-powered backup can keep the pit from overflowing.

Does a pump running constantly mean my foundation is in trouble?

Not by itself. It means a lot of water is near the house. Over time, that water can push on walls and wash out mortar. It is worth checking the walls while the crew looks at the pump.

Is your sump pump running nonstop?

Call (585) 449-9661 or send the short form with a short video of the pit. A local crew will call back to set up a free inspection and a written price.

Other services

Common foundation repair problems in Rochester

Areas we serve around Rochester

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