Finding out that your effluent pump is running non-stop can be a stressful moment for any homeowner. Most septic systems are designed to be quiet and efficient. You should only hear your pump kick on occasionally when the tank reaches a certain level. If you notice a persistent hum coming from your yard or a sudden spike in your electric bill, your pump might be stuck in a “constant run” cycle.
This issue is more than just an annoyance. A pump that never rests will eventually burn out its motor. Even worse, a constant run could indicate that your septic system is struggling to move liquid to the leach field. This puts your entire property at risk for backups or saturated soil.
Triple J Services specializes in diagnosing and fixing these specific septic headaches in Lackawaxen, PA. Understanding the mechanics of your system is the first step toward a solution.
Understanding the Role of the Effluent Pump
Before diagnosing a problem, you must know what the pump actually does. In many Pennsylvania properties, gravity isn’t enough to move wastewater. An effluent pump sits in a dedicated chamber or a separate pump tank. Its job is to push treated liquid (effluent) uphill or across a distance to the leach field or “Turkey Mound.”
Unlike a grinder pump, which handles solids, an effluent pump is designed for filtered liquid. If this pump stays on, it means the system “thinks” the tank is full, even if it isn’t. Or, it means the pump is working hard but the liquid has nowhere to go. You can see how this fits into our broader range of septic services here.
1. The Most Common Culprit: A Stuck Float Switch
The float switch is essentially the “brain” of your pump. It is a buoyant device that floats on top of the liquid. When the water level rises, the float tips up, completing an electrical circuit that turns the pump on. As the level drops, the float tips back down and cuts the power.
If your pump won’t stop, the float might be physically stuck in the “up” position. This often happens because:
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Tangled Wires: The electrical cord for the float might have wrapped around the pump or the discharge pipe.
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Grease Buildup: Fats, oils, and grease can solidify in the tank, creating a sticky coating that pins the float against the wall.
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Debris: Large pieces of debris can get wedged under the float, preventing it from dropping back down.
A quick visual inspection by a professional can often resolve this. Sometimes, the float simply needs to be cleaned or untangled. In other cases, a float switch replacement is required if the internal sensor has failed.
2. A Damaged or Leaking Check Valve
The check valve is a small but vital component in your discharge line. It is a one-way valve that allows liquid to move toward the leach field but prevents it from flowing back into the pump tank once the pump shuts off.
If the check valve is broken or stuck open, the liquid you just pumped out will drain right back into the tank the moment the pump stops. This causes the water level to rise again immediately, triggering the float and starting the pump once more.
This “recycling” of the same liquid creates a loop where the pump runs almost constantly. You might hear the pump stop for a few seconds, followed by the sound of rushing water, and then the pump restarts. Replacing a faulty check valve is a standard part of our effluent pump service.
3. Clogged Discharge Lines or Leach Field Saturation
If your pump is running but the water level in the tank isn’t going down, you likely have a blockage. The pump is pushing as hard as it can, but the liquid is hitting a “brick wall” somewhere in the pipes.
Common causes for this include:
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Root Intrusion: Tree roots are attracted to the moisture in septic lines and can grow through small cracks, eventually blocking the pipe entirely.
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Leach Field Failure: If your leach field (or “Turkey Mound”) is saturated or “mat-clogged” with biomat, it can no longer accept liquid. The water has nowhere to go, so it stays in the lines and keeps the pump running.
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Crushed Pipes: Heavy equipment or vehicles driving over the yard can crush the discharge lines.
In these cases, we often recommend high-pressure drain jetting to clear the lines. If the problem is the soil itself, you may need leach field repair or installation.
4. An Undersized or Failing Pump
Sometimes the issue is simply that the pump is nearing the end of its life. As an effluent pump ages, its internal seals and impellers wear down. It loses its “head pressure,” meaning it can no longer push the liquid with the same force.
If the pump is too weak to move the volume of water being generated by the house, it will run indefinitely trying to keep up. Similarly, if your home has been expanded but the original pump wasn’t upgraded, it may be undersized for your current needs.
Our team provides expert effluent pump replacement to ensure your hardware is perfectly matched to your home’s usage.
5. Infiltration and Ground Water Issues
In Lackawaxen and the surrounding PA areas, heavy rain and melting snow can cause groundwater levels to rise. If your septic tank or pump chamber has a crack or a loose seal at the lid, groundwater can leak into the system.
This is called “infiltration.” The pump isn’t just trying to handle your household waste; it’s trying to pump out the entire neighborhood’s rainwater. If the leak is significant, the pump will run constantly to stay ahead of the incoming flow.
If you notice your pump runs more during wet weather, you likely have an infiltration problem. This may require excavation and utility trenching to reseal the tank or install French drains to move groundwater away from your septic components.
The Risks of Ignoring a Constantly Running Pump
Ignoring this problem is a gamble you don’t want to take. A pump that doesn’t shut off will eventually overheat. Once the motor burns out, your septic system effectively stops working.
Without a functioning pump, your tank will overflow. This can lead to:
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Sewage Backups: Waste can back up into your tubs, sinks, and basement.
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Environmental Damage: Raw effluent can pool in your yard, creating a health hazard and attracting pests.
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Leach Field Damage: If a failing pump sends solids or “sludge” into the leach field because it isn’t filtering properly, you could face a total system replacement costing tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regular maintenance is the most effective way to prevent these costly disasters. You can learn more about our commitment to the community on our about us page.
Troubleshooting Steps for Homeowners
If you suspect your pump is running too much, here are a few things you can do before calling a technician:
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Check the Alarm: Most pump systems have an alarm panel in the basement or garage. If a red light is on, the water level is too high. Stop using water immediately.
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Listen to the Tank: Go out to your yard and listen near the pump tank lid. If you hear a hum, the pump is active.
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Check Your Water Use: Ensure you don’t have a leaking toilet or a faucet that is running constantly. A single leaking toilet can send hundreds of gallons a day into the septic tank, keeping the pump working overtime.
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Look for Surface Water: Check your yard for unusually soggy spots or standing water near the tank or leach field.
Why High-Pressure Drain Jetting is Often the Answer
Many “constant run” issues are caused by hidden blockages. Traditional “snaking” can poke a hole through a clog, but it doesn’t clean the pipe. We use high-pressure drain jetting (Hydro-Jetting) to scour the inside of your septic lines.
Hydro-jetting uses specialized nozzles that blast water at several thousand PSI. This removes grease, hair, and even small tree roots. It restores the pipe to its original diameter, allowing the effluent pump to move liquid efficiently again. This reduces the strain on your pump and can stop a “constant run” cycle caused by backpressure.
The Importance of Professional Septic Inspections
A constantly running pump is often a symptom of a larger issue. At Triple J Services, we provide comprehensive septic system inspections. We don’t just look at the pump; we look at the entire “organism” of your septic system.
During an inspection, we use specialized cameras to see inside your lines. We test the electrical draw of your pump and check the health of your leach field. Organizations like the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT)emphasize that professional diagnostics are the only way to ensure long-term system health.
Serving Lackawaxen and the Poconos
We are proud to be based in Lackawaxen, PA. We understand the specific soil types and environmental regulations of our region. Whether you are a year-round resident or a vacation homeowner, we provide the reliable service you need to protect your property.
Our team is experienced in everything from emergency septic pumping to complex French drain installations. We treat your property as if it were our own, with clear communication and honest pricing.
Maintaining Your Pump After the Fix
Once we have resolved your constant run issue, maintenance is key to preventing a relapse.
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Pump the Tank Regularly: Schedule regular pumping to prevent solids from entering the pump chamber.
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Watch What You Flush: Never flush wipes, feminine products, or grease.
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Protect Your Yard: Keep heavy vehicles off the septic area.
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Keep the Power On: Ensure your pump’s circuit breaker is in good working order.
Don’t Let Your Effluent Pump Burn Out
A pump that won’t stop running is an SOS from your septic system. Every hour it runs without a break brings it closer to total failure. Don’t wait for a sewage backup to take action. Triple J Services has the tools, the tech, and the local expertise to diagnose and fix your pump issues fast.
Whether you need a simple float adjustment, a high-pressure line cleaning, or a full pump replacement, we are Lackawaxen’s trusted septic partner. We take the stress out of septic maintenance so you can enjoy your home with peace of mind.
Contact Triple J Services today to schedule your effluent pump service or septic inspection. Visit our website to see how we can secure your home’s infrastructure!
People Also Ask (PAA) About Effluent Pumps
1. How long should an effluent pump run? An effluent pump typically runs for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, depending on the size of the tank and the distance to the leach field. It should cycle on and off throughout the day as water is used in the house. If it runs for more than an hour straight, there is likely an issue.
2. Can I replace an effluent pump myself? While some homeowners are handy, effluent pump replacement involves working with electricity in a wet, hazardous environment. It also requires precise float calibration and plumbing connections. For safety and warranty reasons, it is best to hire professionals like Triple J Services.
3. What is the difference between a grinder pump and an effluent pump? A grinder pump has blades to shred solids (like waste and toilet paper) so they can be pumped to a sewer. An effluent pump is designed to move only the liquid part of the waste after the solids have settled in the septic tank.
4. Why is my septic alarm buzzing? A septic alarm buzzes when the water level in the tank exceeds the “high water” float. This means your pump isn’t working, or the tank is receiving more water than the pump can handle.
5. How often should an effluent pump be serviced? You should have your entire septic system, including the pump and floats, inspected every 1 to 3 years. Regular septic system inspections can catch float issues or wear and tear before they cause a constant run or a failure.
6. Does a running pump use a lot of electricity? Yes. A constantly running pump can add significantly to your monthly electric bill. More importantly, the electricity cost is minor compared to the cost of replacing a burnt-out motor.
7. Can a power surge damage my effluent pump? Yes, power surges can damage the sensitive float sensors or the pump motor itself. We recommend having a professional check your electrical connections after a major storm.
8. What happens if I ignore the constant running? The pump motor will eventually overheat and seize. Once the pump stops, the tank will overflow, potentially causing raw sewage to back up into your home’s lowest drains.
9. Can grease cause my pump to run constantly? Yes. Grease can coat the float switches, making them heavy or sticking them in the “on” position. Grease can also clog the pump’s intake screen, making it work much harder to move liquid.
10. How do I know if my leach field is the problem? If the pump is running and the water level in the tank is high, but the pump sounds like it’s working, the water may have nowhere to go. Standing water or lush, bright green grass over the leach field are common signs of saturation.
