7 Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention This Season

If your basement has stayed dry through Minnesota's summer storms, there's a good chance your sump pump deserves some of the credit. But here's the problem: most homeowners never think about their sump pump until it fails — and by then, they're already dealing with a flooded basement.

August in the Twin Cities can bring some of the heaviest rainfall of the year. The last thing you want heading into fall is a sump pump that's been quietly struggling all summer. The team at Tony's Plumbing & Heating in Oakdale put together this guide to help you spot the warning signs before a small problem becomes a very wet, very expensive one.

What Does a Sump Pump Actually Do?
Your sump pump sits in a pit (called a sump basin) at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space. When groundwater or rainwater collects in that pit, the pump activates and moves the water away from your home through a discharge line. It's your home's first line of defense against basement flooding — and in the East Metro, where heavy summer rains are common, it earns its keep.

Sign #1: It's Running Constantly — or Never Seems to Stop
A sump pump that runs non-stop, even during dry weather, is a red flag. It could mean the float switch is stuck in the "on" position, the pump is undersized for your home, or water is re-entering the pit through a faulty discharge line. Constant running burns out the motor faster and often signals an underlying problem that won't fix itself.

Sign #2: It's Making Unusual Noises
A healthy sump pump hums quietly when it runs. If yours is rattling, grinding, gurgling, or making loud clunking sounds, something is wrong. Grinding or rattling often points to a damaged or worn impeller — the component that moves water through the pump. A gurgling sound after the pump shuts off can indicate a missing or failed check valve, which allows water to flow back into the pit after each cycle.

Sign #3: It Runs But Doesn't Seem to Be Moving Water
If your pump is activating but water levels in the pit aren't dropping, the pump may be losing its ability to move water effectively. This can happen due to a clogged intake screen, a worn-out impeller, or a discharge line that's blocked or frozen (less likely in August, but possible if there's debris buildup). Either way, a pump that sounds like it's working but isn't is no protection at all during a heavy storm.

Sign #4: It's More Than 7–10 Years Old
Sump pumps don't last forever. The average lifespan is 7 to 10 years, and a pump that's been handling Minnesota's wet springs and stormy summers for a decade is likely living on borrowed time. Age alone isn't a reason to panic, but it is a reason to have it inspected — especially if you can't remember the last time anyone looked at it.

Sign #5: It Runs in Short, Rapid Bursts
If your sump pump turns on and off repeatedly in quick succession — a problem called short cycling — it's usually a sign that the float switch is set too low or the sump pit is too small. Short cycling puts enormous stress on the motor and dramatically shortens the pump's life. Left unchecked, it can burn the unit out entirely.

Sign #6: You Notice Rust or Visible Corrosion
Some surface rust on older metal components isn't unusual, but heavy corrosion on the pump body or connections is a concern. Corrosion can affect electrical connections and eventually cause the pump to fail. It can also be a sign of bacterial iron in your water, which causes a gel-like buildup that clogs pump components over time.

Sign #7: It Failed During the Last Big Storm
This one seems obvious, but it's worth saying plainly: if your sump pump failed to keep up during a heavy rain event this summer — even if your basement only took on a little water — don't assume it was a one-time fluke. A pump that struggled once will struggle again, and the next storm may be worse.

Don't Forget: Test It Before You Need It
Testing your sump pump takes about two minutes. Pour a bucket of water slowly into the sump pit and watch for the float to rise and trigger the pump. The pump should activate, remove the water, and shut off cleanly. If it doesn't respond, responds slowly, or doesn't shut off, it's time to call a plumber.

Whether your sump pump needs a repair, a replacement, or you just want a professional to take a look before the next big storm rolls through, Tony's Plumbing & Heating is here for you. We serve Oakdale, Woodbury, Maplewood, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, and the surrounding East Metro — with honest assessments, upfront pricing, and 24/7 emergency availability.
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Don't wait until you're standing in a wet basement. Give us a call today.

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