Quick answer
A sewage, effluent or stormwater pump alarm usually means the level in the basin has reached the alarm float because the pump is not keeping up, has not started, or cannot discharge properly. Reduce inflow immediately, avoid flushing or running fixtures connected to the station, silence the horn only if necessary, and arrange service. Silencing an alarm does not correct the problem.
What Does a Pump Station Alarm Mean?
Most pump stations use separate level controls for normal pump operation and high-level warning. Under normal conditions, a start float or level sensor calls the pump on and a stop float turns it off after the basin level drops. If liquid continues to rise, a higher alarm float activates an audible alarm, warning light or remote notification.
The alarm does not identify one specific failure. It tells you the station needs attention before sewage, effluent or stormwater backs up or overflows.
Common Reasons the Alarm is Going Off
- A float switch is obstructed, tangled, coated with debris or has failed.
- The pump has lost power or a fuse, overload or breaker has tripped.
- The pump is jammed, worn, airlocked or mechanically damaged.
- A check valve is stuck or allowing pumped liquid to flow back into the basin.
- A shut-off valve is closed or the discharge line is blocked, frozen or damaged.
- Incoming flow is greater than the station can remove, especially during heavy rain.
- A duplex station has lost one pump and the remaining pump cannot handle peak flow.
- The level controller, contactor, alarm circuit or control panel has a fault.
Why Does My Pump Keep Running?
A stormwater pump may run for an extended period during sustained rain if water is still entering the basin. Continuous operation during dry weather, or a sewage or effluent pump that never shuts off, is not normal.
Frequent causes include a float stuck in the on position, a failed level sensor, backflow through a check valve, an obstructed discharge, unusually high inflow, a leak into the station, or a pump that is operating too far below its required capacity. Running continuously can overheat or rapidly wear a pump, so it should be diagnosed promptly.
Why Will My Pump Not Turn On?
A pump may fail to start because power is unavailable, the breaker or overload has tripped, the float is not calling for the pump, the hand-off-auto selector is in the wrong position, a contactor or capacitor has failed, the impeller is jammed, or the motor has failed.
Do not reach into a wet well, move wiring, bypass a float or force a pump to run. Sewage and effluent basins can contain harmful gases and biological hazards, and pump panels contain energized electrical components.
Why is My Breaker Tripping?
A breaker can trip because of a jammed impeller, motor overload, damaged cable, moisture intrusion, short circuit, failing motor, incorrect protection or another electrical fault. Repeatedly resetting a breaker can worsen equipment damage and create a safety risk. If it trips again, leave it off and call a qualified pump technician. Electrical repairs or alterations must be handled under the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
Why Does My Pump Station Smell?
A persistent sewage odour can indicate a loose or damaged lid seal, a venting problem, an unsealed conduit, stagnant wastewater, a leak or an overflowing basin. In the BC Plumbing Code framework, a sump or tank receiving sewage must be water-tight, air-tight and vented. A persistent odour should be inspected rather than covered with fragrance.
Stormwater stations can also smell when leaves, sediment or organic material collect and decompose. Cleaning needs should be assessed without entering the basin.
What Should I do When the Alarm Sounds?
- Reduce inflow. Stop laundry, dishwashing, showers and unnecessary flushing if they discharge to the station.
- For a strata, notify residents and the property manager immediately.
- Note the alarm light, panel message, weather conditions and whether either pump appears to be running.
- Do not open or enter the wet well. Keep people and pets away from any overflow.
- Do not bypass controls or repeatedly reset a breaker.
- Call for service. If the level is rising, sewage is backing up, or an overflow is possible, request emergency response.
How Float Switches Work
A float switch changes electrical state as the liquid level rises or falls. A simplex station may have stop, start and high-level alarm floats. A duplex station may also have a lag-pump float. Floats must move freely and be set at the correct elevations. A small obstruction or incorrect tether length can change the entire operating sequence.
Modern stations may use pressure, ultrasonic or other level sensors instead of tethered floats, but the principle is the same: the controller uses liquid level to start pumps, stop pumps and activate alarms.
When to call Revolution Pump Service Ltd.
Call right away if the alarm remains active, the basin level is rising, a pump will not start, a pump will not stop, a breaker trips, sewage odour suddenly appears, or there is any sign of backup or overflow. Revolution Pump Service Ltd. provides 24-hour emergency service for sewage, effluent and stormwater pump stations throughout the Lower Mainland and surrounding areas.
Emergency Service: 604-808-6053 | info@revolutionpumpservice.com
Pump Alarms Frequently Asked Questions
It is always time-sensitive. A high-level alarm can become an overflow or backup quickly, particularly in a multi-unit property or during heavy rain.
Do not repeatedly reset it. A recurring trip points to an electrical or mechanical fault that requires qualified diagnosis.
Hard no! Pump systems and tanks harbour many different kinds of noxious gases that make this severely dangerous without confined space training and safety gear. Call in the professionals.
Usually, yes, but only silence the audible horn. Leave the visual or remote alarm active and arrange service. The high liquid level or fault still exists.
