How Often Should a Crawl Space Sump Pump Run?
In this article, we’ll answer the question “how often should a crawl space sump pump run?” There’s not an exact number of times a sump pump should run each day, the amount of time it runs depends on the amount of precipitation around your home. Let’s dig into more specifics.
How Often Should a Sump Pump Run?
How often your sump pump runs really depends on the weather and your home’s specific situation. If you live in an area where it rains a lot or where groundwater levels are often high, expect your sump pump to be quite active, sometimes running several times a day.
This is normal and a sign that your sump pump is working properly. As the sump pump collects water, a float switch activates, causing the sump pump to drain automatically. This keeps your crawl space dry and safe from flooding.
On the other hand, in drier regions or during stretches of calm weather, your sump pump will run much less. It will kick in only during the occasional heavy rain or when snow starts melting.
The age and condition of your sump pump also affect its frequency. An older or poorly maintained pump might run more often as it works harder to manage water levels. If your sump pump runs constantly for long stretches of time, it might be time to install an upgrade.
Regularly checking on your sump pump is a great habit to form. Simple steps like inspecting its operation, cleaning out the pit, and making sure the discharge lines are clear of debris keep the pump running efficiently and ensure your home is well-protected against water.
What Happens if a Crawl Space Sump Pump Isn’t Working?
Think about what happens if someone ignores a small leak in a boat—eventually, it can cause bigger issues. Your crawl space is much the same, and without a sump pump in good condition, water will cause a lot of damage.
Over time, water will collect below your home, especially during heavy rains or in areas with high groundwater levels. This standing water creates a humid environment, ideal for mold and mildew to thrive, which then lead to musty odors and potential health issues.
Crawl space moisture is also a serious problem for any wooden structures, including the supports that hold up your home. Over time, standing water can cause wood rot, weakening these supports. This compromises the structural integrity of your home, leading to issues like a sagging floor or drywall cracks.
What to Do Next
In this post, we showed that properly functioning sump pumps can run quite often or very little depending on where you live. If you want to make sure your sump pump stays in good working order, it’s a good idea to work with a professional like Bay Area Underpinning. Want to learn more? Contact us today!
Ted Dryce
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