The pump is silent while water rises
Power, control, float, pump and installation conditions are all possible inspection paths.
Notice next: From dry ground, record visible indicator lights and whether unrelated safe circuits are working.
United States guidance50 states + DC context
Plumbing answer · Sump pump failure
What should I check when a sump pump is not working?
Keep out of standing water and observe from a dry location whether the pit level is rising, the pump is silent, it runs without lowering water, or discharge returns to the pit. Stop adding avoidable water to the drainage system and arrange help early when rain or inflow continues.
Do not touch the pump, plug, extension cord or outlet in a wet area, and do not repeatedly reset a breaker. Rising water near electrical systems, sewage, a flooded occupied area or an inaccessible safe shutoff requires emergency or qualified response before pump diagnosis.
Put safety before diagnosisA failed sump pump can combine rapidly rising water with electricity and sometimes contaminated water. Electrical isolation and personal safety come before restoring pumping.
Need a plumber?Confirm request and continue to callLocation changes the boundary, not the evidence
Where is the property?
Choose a state and optionally add a city and ZIP. This does not create a separate location page; it makes the limits of the answer visible.
U.S. national guidance
What changes after you choose a location?
Choose a state to make the geographic boundary explicit.
A ZIP helps identify possible utilities and service areas, but it does not prove jurisdiction, address-level coverage or an available plumber.
Applies nationallyThe safety and observation sequence on this page is general U.S. guidance.
Must be confirmed locallyUtility ownership, permits, trade licensing, rental responsibility, codes, prices and provider availability require current evidence for the exact property.
Start with observable differences
Which pattern best matches the home?
The pump runs but the water level does not fall
Discharge, intake, capacity or mechanical conditions may need inspection.
Notice next: Do not reach into the pit; note whether water visibly returns or the sound changes.
The pump starts and stops frequently
Inflow, control position and return flow are among the questions, but frequency alone is not a diagnosis.
Notice next: Record approximate cycle timing and weather without manipulating the float.
Safe observation
What should you record before the call?
A short, factual description helps the next professional choose the right first inspection without treating a symptom as proof.
These observations show urgency and help route service; they do not establish electrical safety, pump condition or discharge compliance.
What to record
- Water level trend marked visually from a safe, dry position.
- Whether the pump is silent, humming, running steadily or cycling.
- Weather, drainage inflow and any recent power interruption.
- Visible discharge flow or return without opening or disconnecting piping.
- Battery-backup indicators or alarms visible without touching wet equipment.
Stop and get appropriate help
- Do not enter standing water when electrical sources may be energized.
- Contact emergency services or the utility if rising water threatens the service panel, outlets or other energized equipment.
- Avoid contact and isolate the area if the water may contain sewage.
- Do not repeatedly reset breakers, use an indoor extension cord in water or operate an unknown pump setup.
Short answers
Questions people ask before the call
Can I wade in and unplug the pump?
No. Do not enter water that may be electrically energized; have power and equipment handled from a safe location by qualified responders.
Should I keep resetting the breaker?
No. Repeated trips can indicate a fault and should be assessed without contact with wet equipment.
Does a running sound mean water is being removed?
No. Confirm only the safe observable level trend; a running pump may still have intake, discharge, capacity or mechanical problems.
Sources and boundaries
What supports this guide?
- U.S. CDC — Safety Guidelines: Reentering Your Flooded HomeStanding-water, sewage and electrical safety boundaries. Scope: national. Confirm address-specific requirements with the relevant local authority or qualified professional.
- FEMA — Mitigation for HomeownersSewer backflow prevention as a property-specific mitigation decision. Scope: national. Confirm address-specific requirements with the relevant local authority or qualified professional.
Educational information only: this page cannot inspect the property, diagnose hidden work, provide legal advice, quote a repair or promise service availability.
Sources support the general guidance shown here. Address-specific rules, responsibility, price and availability still require current local confirmation.
If conditions are unsafe or rapidly worsening, stop troubleshooting and contact the appropriate emergency service or qualified local professional.