In general, a sump pump that’s working continuously without rain is experiencing an issue that needs to be fixed. However, there are troubleshooting steps to take before hiring a plumber that may help you determine the cause of the problem. Common causes of a sump pump running without rain include a rise in the water table or an increase in groundwater, melting snow, a broken float switch on the sump pump, and a clogged sump pump drain line.
Sump pumps last approximately 7-10 years, but can burn out faster if they’re too small for the volume of water or not maintained. If the sump pump is experiencing issues, it is best to hire a professional to diagnose the failure, recommend a replacement, and install it. The average cost to install a sump pump is $1,200. The cost is dependent on whether you need a pedestal or submersible pump, the size of the required sump pump, and labor cost for installation. Learn more about sump pump failure and actions to address causes.