Sump Pump Not Working

Check whether the pump appears to have power and whether a breaker or GFCI device has tripped. A single reset may restore power if the manufacturer’s instructions and the electrical device allow it, but repeated tripping can indicate an electrical or equipment fault. Do not repeatedly reset a breaker or GFCI, use a damaged cord, or work on wet electrical equipment; have recurring electrical problems evaluated appropriately.

1. Check the Power Supply

Confirm the pump is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Sump pumps are often on GFCI-protected outlets, which trip more easily than standard outlets, especially in damp basement environments. Press the reset button on the GFCI outlet and check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker. If the breaker trips again immediately after resetting, there may be a wiring or motor short that requires a professional to diagnose safely.

2. Test the Float Switch

The float switch tells the pump when to turn on based on water level. If it’s tangled on the pit wall, stuck in the “down” position, or has failed internally, the pump won’t activate even with water in the pit. Lift the float by hand (or pour water in to raise it) and listen for the pump to engage. If it doesn’t respond to a manual lift, the switch itself is likely the issue. This is a common enough failure point that it has its own troubleshooting guide: see Sump Pump Float Switch Problems.

3. Check for a Jammed or Seized Pump

If the float switch responds correctly but the pump still doesn’t run, debris may have jammed the impeller, or the motor may have seized. If you hear a faint humming sound when it should be running, the motor is getting power but can’t turn—a distinct issue covered in Sump Pump Hums but Does Not Pump. No sound at all points more toward an electrical or switch failure rather than a mechanical jam.

4. Rule Out a Frozen or Blocked Discharge Line

In cold weather, a frozen discharge line can prevent water from leaving even if the pump itself is trying to run, and in some cases this backpressure can trip a safety shutoff or strain the motor. A clogged or disconnected line has a similar effect. If the pump seems to be attempting to run but water isn’t leaving the pit, check the discharge line before assuming the pump itself has failed. Full troubleshooting for this is covered in Sump Pump Discharge Line Problems.

5. Consider Pump Age and Wear

If none of the above resolves the issue, the motor itself may have failed, which is more common in older pumps nearing the end of their service life. At that point, replacement is usually more practical than continued repair attempts. For repair options across all these causes, see Sump Pump Repair.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if the breaker trips repeatedly, you suspect a wiring issue, or the pump shows no response to any of the checks above. A non-functioning sump pump during active rainfall is also a reasonable case for an urgent service call rather than continued troubleshooting.

For a full breakdown of sump pump issues and how they relate to one another, see the Sump Pump Problems Guide.

If Water Is Already Entering the Basement

Keep away from electrical equipment, outlets, cords, or appliances that are in or near standing water. Do not enter water where an electrical hazard may be present. Prioritize personal safety and arrange appropriate emergency water-removal, electrical, or sump-pump service as needed.

Safety note: Keep hands and tools away from an energized sump pit. Disconnect power before touching the pump, float, check valve, piping connections, or other components. Do not work on electrical equipment in or near standing water.