Why Your Sump Pump Keeps Tripping the Breaker – 7 Critical Reasons You Can’t Ignore

Tired of Resetting That Breaker? Here's What's Really Going On
​You're in your basement during a heavy rainstorm. You check your sump pump… and nothing. Again. You walk over to the breaker panel, flip the switch back on, and within minutes--click, it trips again. If your sump pump keeps tripping the breaker, you’re not just dealing with an annoyance—you’re on borrowed time before your basement floods.
This isn’t just a fluke. Something’s wrong. And you need to fix it before your sump pump fails completely.
In this blog, we’ll uncover why your sump pump keeps tripping the breaker, how to troubleshoot it, and what you can do to prevent costly water damage. Let’s dig in.

🧠 FAQ: Why Does My Sump Pump Trip the Breaker Over and Over?
Is it normal for a sump pump to trip the breaker occasionally?
No. If your sump pump repeatedly trips the breaker, it's a sign of an underlying electrical or mechanical issue. Ignoring it could mean:

• A burned-out motor
• Flooded basement
• Permanent electrical damage

Let’s take a closer look at what’s going wrong.

⚡ 7 Common Reasons Your Sump Pump Keeps Tripping the Breaker
1. Short Circuit in the Motor
When the sump pump motor overheats or suffers internal wire damage, it causes a short circuit. This is one of the most common reasons for repeated breaker trips.
✅ Fix:
Unplug the unit. If the breaker stops tripping, the problem lies with the pump. In most cases, a burned-out motor needs to be replaced—especially if your pump is over 7–10 years old.

2. Clogged or Jammed Impeller
If debris clogs the impeller or intake screen, the motor works harder and draws more amps than it should—causing the breaker to trip.
✅ Fix:
Remove the pump from the pit. Inspect the impeller and inlet for dirt, gravel, or sludge. Clean and reassemble. Test the unit.

3. Undersized Electrical Circuit
Some sump pumps draw a lot of power, especially during startup. If your circuit can’t handle the load (especially older homes with 15-amp circuits), it may trip frequently.
✅ Fix:
Have a licensed electrician assess your sump pump's dedicated circuit. Upgrading to a 20-amp line might solve the issue.

4. Water Infiltration into the Pump Housing
If water sneaks into the pump’s electrical components, it creates a ground fault. The result? Breaker trips to prevent electrocution.
✅ Fix:
Unplug and visually inspect the housing. If there’s water inside, don’t use it. Replace the pump immediately—this is a major safety hazard.

5. Faulty Float Switch or Wiring
A stuck float or loose wires can cause a continuous power draw or electrical surge, leading the breaker to trip.
✅ Fix:
Test the float switch manually by lifting it while the pump is plugged into another circuit. Inspect wiring for damage or corrosion. Replace parts as needed.

6. Bad GFCI Outlet
Sump pumps are often plugged into GFCI outlets, which are sensitive to moisture and current fluctuations. A bad outlet can trip your breaker or fail to deliver enough power.
✅ Fix:
Test the outlet by plugging in another appliance. If it trips or doesn’t work, replace the GFCI outlet or move the pump to a standard grounded outlet (per code).

7. Overloaded or Outdated Breaker
Your breaker could be the problem. If it’s worn out or not rated for the sump pump’s startup surge, it’ll trip even when nothing’s wrong with the pump.
✅ Fix:
Call a certified electrician to check your breaker panel and load ratings. Replacing a breaker is a relatively affordable fix—especially compared to flood damage.

📊 Important Stats Every Homeowner Should Know

• Over 60% of U.S. homes deal with below-ground moisture, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors.
• Water damage costs homeowners an average of $3,000–$7,500 per incident (HomeAdvisor).
• A sump pump failure is among the top 5 insurance claim causes—and it’s often not covered if negligence is found.

🧰 Homeowner Troubleshooting Checklist
Before calling in the pros, here’s a quick checklist you can try:

1. Unplug and inspect the pump
2. Test the outlet with another appliance
3. Check the circuit breaker rating
4. Inspect the impeller for blockages
5. Check the float switch operation
6. Look for signs of water inside the motor housing
7. Try plugging the pump into a different outlet temporarily

If these steps don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call a sump pump repair technician or licensed electrician.

🔥 Pro Tips to Prevent Breaker Trips in the Future
✔️ Schedule Yearly MaintenanceHave your sump pump inspected every 12 months—before storm season hits.
✔️ Install a Backup Battery SystemA backup pump reduces load on your primary system, especially during power outages or heavy storms.
✔️ Upgrade to a Smart PumpNewer models with digital diagnostics alert you to problems before they become emergencies.
✔️ Use Surge ProtectorsProtect your pump from power surges, especially during storms or outages.
✔️ Never Ignore Warning SignsWeird noises, irregular cycling, or warm pump casings mean something’s wrong--don’t wait.

✅ Conclusion: Stop the Trips Before They Flood Your Basement
A sump pump that keeps tripping the breaker isn’t just a minor hassle—it’s a red flashing warning that your system is on the edge of failure. Every time it trips, it means your home is unprotected from flooding.
The good news? In most cases, the problem is easy to diagnose and even easier to fix—with the right approach.
Whether it’s a clogged impeller, faulty float switch, or a tired breaker panel, taking action now means you’ll sleep better the next time the rain pours.
So don’t ignore it. Investigate it. Fix it. And keep your basement dry.