Skip to Main Content

Understanding Sump Pump Alarms

safedri sump pump plug switch alarm

Moisture in crawl spaces and basements is common, especially if the area is not properly waterproofed or encapsulated. Sump pumps help manage this moisture by pumping excess water out. But what if the sump pump alarm sounds? What does it mean?

This page explains the sump pump alarm and what to do if you encounter this situation.

What is the Purpose of a Sump Pump Alarm?

Sump pump alarms activate when water levels in a basement or crawl space rise to critical levels. This signal indicates that the pump may struggle to remove the water effectively, preventing floods and water damage.

Sump pump alarms are positioned on top of the sump pump and emit a beeping sound, similar to a smoke alarm when they detect moisture. A properly functioning sump pump alarm helps prevent crawl space and basement flooding.

Why is My Sump Pump Alarm Going Off?

There are several reasons why your sump pump alarm might activate, including:

  • High Water Levels: The most common reason is that the water in the sump pit has risen above the pump’s capacity, possibly due to heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or a plumbing issue.
  • Pump Malfunction: If the pump itself isn’t working correctly due to a power outage, blown fuse, or motor failure, the alarm will warn of potential flooding.
  • Water on the Pump: Water splashing onto the pump can falsely trigger the alarm sensor despite normal pit water levels.

What Causes Basement Flooding?

There are several factors that cause basement floods, including:

Surface Water Intrusion

Surface water intrusion occurs when outside water penetrates the foundation. Common causes include:

  • Hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls
  • Clogged gutters or downspouts directing water toward the house
  • Improper grading that channels water toward the foundation
  • Window, window well, or pipe leaks
water seepage on basement floor

Groundwater Intrusion

Groundwater issues also cause basement water seepage. These include:

  • High water table
  • Broken underground pipes
  • Basement humidity leading to condensation

    Troubleshooting: What to Do if a Sump Pump Alarm Activates

    • Check for Power: Ensure the pump is receiving power. If there’s a power outage, wait for it to be restored. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box if the power is on but the pump isn’t running.
    • Listen to the Pump: Sump pumps make a distinctive noise when actively pumping water. If you don’t hear anything, the motor might be faulty.
    • Assess Water Level: Determine how quickly the water level is rising. If the rain has stopped and the pump works, you can temporarily tolerate a slightly flooded basement. If the water level continues rising despite the pump, contact a professional immediately.

    How to Prevent Basement Flooding

    Basement waterproofing measures prevent water seepage and flooding. Professionals implement the following solutions to ensure a dry and safe basement space:

    If you discover damp basement areas at your residence, contact a professional like JES Foundation Repair for a free inspection.

    Contact JES for Basement Sump Pump Solutions

    JES work truck in residential neighborhood

    Sump pumps help prevent water damage. If your sump pump is not performing optimally or you’re interested in installation, contact professionals who can help.

    JES Foundation Repair experts proudly serve Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina.

    Contact us for a free inspection and to explore your sump pump options.

    Sump Pump FAQs

    We discourage DIY repairs on sump pump systems as they are intricate units with sensitive components. If you encounter issues with your sump pump, reach out to JES Foundation Repair for professional assistance and a free inspection. 

    We advise incorporating a battery backup to your sump pump system, particularly if you’ve experienced significant flooding and power outages. Our backup options ensure uninterrupted operation of your sump pump during power losses. Contact JES Foundation Repair for a tailored recommendation. 

    Sump pumps are activated by a float switch that detects the level of water in the sump basin. The pump runs as long as it needs to pump the water out and for the water level to drop. 
    The water table is high in areas throughout Virginia, especially during rainy seasons, so it isn’t a problem if the pump is running a lot. 

    Shaye Glisson

    Shaye Glisson

    Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

    Publish Date:

    Last Modified Date:

    JES Foundation Repair service area map of the Mid-Atlantic region.

    Our Locations

    Baltimore

    8361 Town Center Ct
    Nottingham, MD 21236

    Fredericksburg

    311 Central Rd.
    Suite 2-02
    Fredericksburg, VA 22401

    Hampton Roads & NE NC

    2569 Quality Ct
    Virginia Beach, VA 23454

    Northern VA & DC

    7940 Gainsford Ct.
    Bristow, VA 20136

    Richmond

    309 Quarles Rd
    Ashland, VA 23005

    Southwest Virginia / Roanoke

    2033 Cook Dr.
    Salem, VA 24153

    Western Virginia

    456 Old Courthouse Rd
    Appomattox, VA 24522

    Winchester

    45 W Boscawen St,
    Winchester, VA 22601