Sump Pump Not Working? It Might Be Air Locked!

Bottom intake sump pumps (most common) are prone to air locking - even when they have a relief hole built into the pump housing. If the housing is metal and the hole rusts over or the housing is plastic and becomes clogged, your pump is just waiting to become air locked. Once primed, a bottom intake pump will generally not have any air locking issues unless air is introduced into the system and it fails to push it through. With air trapped or "locked" in the pump housing, the impeller is simply spinning in air and not moving any liquid. Your pump will sound like it is running (humming) but not actually doing anything. A relief or "weep" hole in the discharge piping downstream of the pump and before the check valve is the best spot for it and also provides an indicator that the pump is running.
I hope this video helps you out and if not let me know in the comments. Myself or maybe someone watching may have a solution!

[@robcampos6437]

Man I love you tube! My next door neighbor had a foot of water in his basement. He's in New Jersey. Used an old but still working sump pump and it worked for a while, but all of a sudden stopped discharging. Took your advice and drilled a small hole and now happy to report the water is all out. Thank you!

[@TheDarkwingDX]

Oh I enjoyed that alot more than I anticipated. I'm a new homeowner, and all these things are popping up, super stressful. Stuff like this helps out alot. Thank you.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Glad I could help out and I know exactly what you mean!

[@HeRulesAlways]

Thanks for the step by step details. This was exactly what I needed. PS great to see a dad and the kids in a video.

[@jaybee608]

Thanks. I'm about to replace a pump that has stopped working. My guys explained something you just did. Now I know I'll be okay with the job. 👍👍

[@fongyang6811]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks a million. Love your interaction and with the kids btw. Reminds me of my two energetic ones!

[@lupeorozco6189]

Been up since 3a, my sump was not working, just humming and it over filled. Found your video 1/2 hour ago, drilled the hole., problem solved! Thanks

[@davenichols4352]

Excellent clear step by step directions. This follow is a a great teacher.

[@qtcarter8127]

Thank you. Very helpful in plain simple language

[@mattsmith6828]

nice! I installed a sump pump and it didn't work out of the gate. but after turning it off and back on again, "magically" it worked. i think this is what i was unknowingly witnessing.

[@truenorthmuskoka9077]

great video. i need to install a new effluent plump in my septic system. I will check to be sure the piping has the weep hole.

[@mdfearnot]

very useful and well explained! extra thumbs up for those beautiful smiling children of yours :-)

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Glad it helped and thank you!

[@happymanvillage8624]

good job! and you are a great dad!

[@SpectralightPhoto]

Good info and right to the point. Thanks!

[@MajikMuzq]

Thanks to you and the awesome kids👍🏾

[@conniebrown1257]

Love this with the kids!!

[@AnthonyDalBen]

They love being part of these vids - my son actually does some of the filming🤣

[@craigbays9139]

Great information and cute kids! This video is a win!

[@patreimer7696]

Thanks for a very informative video. I have a Flotec in-line check valve which is equipped with an anti-airlock hole located at the base of the threads to prevent air-locking the sump pump. Why doesn't all check valves have the anti-airlock hole already drilled by the manufacturer like the Flotec check valve? This would prevent a lot of future problems and less work for the installer.

[@horatiosanders8610]

Thank you! great video.

[@mathmotivation]

Or. . . . take the bottom off your sump pump to make sure that something is not preventing the impeller from turning. Somehow a twist tie got wrapped around mine. Took it off and all is well! You might want to do this first!

[@SneekySecrets]

Agreed! I prefer to fix the problem.

[@andysnyder4912]

Super helpful friend thanks!

[@a.m.brashearsr.5013]

Thanks ! I will attempt this outside to stop the rain water from getting in the garage !🤞

[@cruzanbum3108]

Once I saw the beautiful kids, I HAD to give you a thumbs up!

[@aluet30]

Thank you kids for helping dad.

[@marilyn9501]

You're a great Dad!

[@spadeonegaming8854]

Thx for the video it was a great help!! GOD BLESS!

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Glad I could help and thank you:)

[@timcsmedic2162]

HD sells a Basement Watchdog pipe that is pre drilled and cemented with all that you need to connect. I used on the same pump and it works great. For $25 dollars it's one less worry. I've done several pumps and swear by it.

[@buttababynuknuk]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@23x31]

Drill the weep hole below the low water line so you don't hear it spewing. Doesn't matter. ALSO, this style pump triggers on too soon. Either raise it under some blocks or install a secondary vertical float switch.

[@nealiumj]

Interesting! I thought my pipe broke, so I replaced it.. seems to be working without the hole, but i’ma swap it back out. I’ve had hella issues with that flexible piping tho, 3 pipes and 3 pin picks and water spraying everywhere each time 🤦‍♂️

[@molai96]

Awesome

[@ernestodelmoral4049]

Great video and thanks, the problem i have with my sub-pump is that i no longer hear the the machine running like it used to...

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Thank you! Is it running at all? I've never heard of one not running like it used to. I think if they fail they just stop working all together. But I have been wrong before. Part of the reason I made the video is because my pump seemed like it was running (humming) but I could tell there was no water in the discharge pipe. Glad this video is helping some people out!

[@bensdemosongs]

People living up North: any chance of the water freezing in the pipe near the outside of the house? I'm talking if it quickly gets to -40 degrees with water still dripping in, which has happened to me before. Thanks!

[@musicman4christjesus]

Awesome video! Is there a need to add an additional check valve somewhere along the discharge line outside of the basin? I went to HD today and got an Everbuilt 1/3 HP pump and the sales person gave me on just like the one you threaded at the output of the pump plus another Everbuilt check valve that has to be installed outside the basin it’s the Everbuilt 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 ABS in line Sump Pump check valve. Please advise. Thanks!

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Thank you! One check valve is enough, just make sure its above (downstream) of the weep hole. The line up should go - pump, threaded connection, pipe with weep hole, check valve, discharge pipe. I hope this helps!

[@jays.8187]

My outdoor submersible pumps always get air locked. I have to unscrew the hose as it’s on until water starts to come up then rescrew it on quickly. What a pain. Can I put a small weep hole in the hose itself close to the pump to solve this problem?

[@LifeInElSalvador]

Your son is a great boxer

[@Mike-zy8in]

Utube; are you a good person by living waters my bro

[@lucino128]

My utility sink pump is currently stuck be on but not pumping any water, any suggestion?

[@margarethansen5824]

So my pump looks like it has a leak on the side? When it pumps the water, it looks like it just shoots back into the hole by a split in the side??? But it's hard to really see.

[@rustyme1122]

Actually, an ideal installation would have the check valve out of the pit and 6 inches or so above the basement floor level. Your weep hole should be drilled a couple inches above the high water level. The weep hole should never get submerged by the rising water. Otherwise good info. Many professionals think a weep hole is unnecessary in the discharge pipe. I assure you it is very necessary, even with a weep hole already drilled into the pump housing.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Thanks for the info! Part of the reason I do these videos is to start a discussion. I really enjoy coming across people whom have something to add:)

[@baseline8017]

Maybe that's the problem I am having. The pump will always run when the water gets high enough to move the switch, but about one time in ten no water actually gets pumped. The pump would run forever and never pump any water if I let it. So I tried putting in a 3/16 hole between the low water line and high water line. Again, about one time in ten it will run but not pump. Sounds like I should try putting the weep hole above the high water level.

[@baseline8017]

A follow-up to my earlier comment. It turns out that the lack of water flow was due to the check valve being damaged. I didn't think it was possible, but the flap occasionally got stuck and would not let water flow in either direction. After replacing the check valve, everything worked as it should. I am going to experiment with not drilling a weep hole. As of now the hole is not needed.

[@SteadyDrizzle]

Not sure why the weep hole would have to be above the water level. In the case of an air lock, the air would just bubble out of the weep hole.

[@SelkiesSong]

I am beginning to wonder if this is why my pump would turn on but not pump water; I assumed it was because the discharge pipes had gotten frozen then the big thaw happened and my sump room was underwater til a good shake finally got things moving again

[@Sh9wnBreezy]

Thanks for the Video Anthony. I enjoyed watching.. I think for watching the video I may have a Airlock problem.. I live in the Middle of the block that is pitched down so I receives everybody's rain water.. a whole nightmare.. so I go the French drain install and it works fine in light rain, but heavy rain you can forget you even have a Sump pump.. I can hear The Sump Pump Humming as if it's Clogged and not working. I've tried and pull the Float up assuming that was the problem but the Float was already up.. do you think it's a Airlock problem. Thanks a lot bro.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

That sounds exactly like the issue I was having. It could be an air lock issue or a clog somewhere. One of the best parts of the weep hole is that it shows proof your pump is working. If you can see water spitting out the hole but the level isn't changing then it's either coming in as fast as it's leaving or there is a clog downstream. Good luck.

[@amoljadhao9676]

I have sump pump that only gets start pumping water when I shake it a little. Not sure what the problem it

[@herminehyatt42]

My pump just having a vibrating sound no movement from the pump what could be the problem. Thanks

[@mrczz6690]

exactly what I need had no room to drill hole

[@michaelrasch107]

Way to go dad

[@isaacbai9291]

if the pump is air locking. what do we do

[@bossdawg8673]

I recently did a sewage pump installation for my basement,old one wasn't working no more.Saved a good $1200@ least from what plumber was asking 🤷🏾😮‍💨.But I didn't put a weep hole in discharge pipe.Should I go back in and do it and is weep hole above the water line or below?

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Might be a good idea! Below the water line is probably best but I would consult the manual. Good luck.

[@devipritipaul9990]

Hello, My husband and just installed a sum pump because when the pump is pumping out it would flow up in my back yard since I have a drain that is hooked up to my sewer. I

[@ddb1058]

Should Teflon tape be used on threaded fittings for future easier removal of fitting when needed? Nice helpful video. Love the Ninja training basement!

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Good question! I thought about that when putting everything back together. Plastic pipe is one of those grey areas where what kind of sealant to use (if any) is up for debate. Before I re-installed the pipe I decided to look it up and found that most people say not to use teflon tape on plastic fittings because you run the risk of over torquing due to the lubrication it provides. I probably would have been fine using it because I trust myself but didn't want to set a bad example. If you use teflon tape on your plastic fittings make sure to not over-wrap it.

[@billwiesen3231]

Good video. Yesterday I woke up went down in my basement and my pump was running but no water was pumping out. Couple years back installed a Zoeller on 2 -8-19 because the last bump failed. Been working flawlessly ever since. Check valve has been very noisy, I got the pump running it was working okay I went and got a new check valve and installed it. Pump worked all day yesterday no problems got up this morning and it was running in the water was pumping I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it started working normal again. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@billwiesen3231]

Oh, yes I have a weep hole in the pipe

[@stevengao8345]

thanks for this very educational video, does anyone here know if i can drill the weep hole above or higher than the check valve ? or it has always be between check valve and pump, thanks

[@melchapman1642]

No can't put the hole above the check value

[@brancebjones7205]

If you put the hole above the check valve, then it defeats the purpose of the check valve by letting all the water sitting above the valve drain back down either into the pit or onto the floor around it. The valve’s purpose is to stop it from draining back down in the first place. That’s the long answer lol. Short answer is no, only put a weep hole below the check valve.

[@venkatreddy7340]

Thx a lot Ben this is really helpful. Nice and clear and it supports many who need help with this issue. Appreciate it. By the way I have a question here. I have a weep whole as indicated by you on a plastic pipe, however I see the pump s just humming and the water does not seem to be pumped out, also the Check valve is not a remove and fix pattern but a sealed Valve. Now the only option is to cut the pipe and install a new check valve. Is there a Tip or a way to clear the Air locking without cutting? PLz advise.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

If the weep hole is in-fact before (upstream) of the check valve and no water is coming out while the pump is running then it is either clogged or the pump may be seized up. Try clearing the weep hole with something that will fit in it like a paper clip. Thanks for watching!

[@venkatreddy7340]

@@AnthonyDalBen The water is coming out of the weep hole while the pump is on, but its not going out to the water exit out of the house. Pump keeps running weep hole keeps spitting water out but the water level in the SUMP does not decrease..thats the situation and as a result the pump continues to run 24/7 spitting from weep hole and water level does not decrease at all. Thanks a lot for your further advise and sorry to bother you.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

No worries! Someone in the comments had a similar issue and it turned out that there was a clog somewhere in the discharge line past the check valve. I'm not entirely sure how he cleared the clog but if you find his comment and ask, he might reply 😁 Also, if no water is coming out of the discharge line and that pump continues to run it will burn out. I would probably unplug it if I was you.

[@venkatreddy7340]

@@AnthonyDalBen Sure thx. By the way if the water level is above the Weep hole then it drains and empties fast.. that indicates there is no clog past the Valve as the water is moving so I am confused where the problem is when level goes below the weep hole and pump runs and water levels stay where it is. Thx a lot.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

@@venkatreddy7340 Oh! Well that sounds like your float is stuck. There should a float on the end of an electrical cord or one on a fixed rod. Either way they are supposed to turn your pump on when the level gets too high and off when the level drops enough. I would try to toggle your float to see if that shuts it off.

[@Daddythecook]

Super

[@everready19373]

That's the exact same model that I just installed.

[@dianemartin1621]

when sump pump cable is connected to watcgdog battery housing systwm, it makes a loud dry(in my opinion) sound. Do you have any thoughts on maybr why this is happening?

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Is it only when connected to the battery system? I know some devices can struggle on battery power. A pump would probably fall under that category as they typically pull a good amount of amps.

[@dianemartin1621]

@@AnthonyDalBen Yes. So i currently have it disconnected. I reconnected it earlier last week and there was no sound, but it started again.

[@tedfrench2491]

Drilled the weephole. Worked great then right back to not working. I manually turn it off and back on and it works again. Then a couple cycles later it stops and so forth???

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Someone in the comments suggested looking at your check valve. Might be good to take a look at that too? Sorry for the late response.

[@tonypeters3320]

Ours isn't doing anything. I think it came with our house that was built in 2006. It's located in the basement. We've had issues lately so I had someone come out. He barely looked it and said we need a new one. 😪

[@bigjoe2458]

I have a fountain pump similar to ur pump that hummmms but will not pump water up the fountain. what do you think is wrong with it?

[@AnthonyDalBen]

It could be a number of things. I would first take the pump out, submerse it in water and see if it's moving any liquid that way. There could be a clog. Not sure about weep holes for fountain pumps. Maybe tilt the pump on its side when submersing it to make sure there's no air in there.

[@alanjohnson3407]

It seems if a hole is drilled above the checkvalve, the water in the pipe will drain back into the sump thus defeating the purpose of putting in a checkvalve.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Yes, the weep hole must be below the check valve.

[@chillwill5080]

Captain Obvious piloting us through perilous waters. :-/

[@philipcorvino8355]

I thought you said the weep hole should be below the check valve. It looks like yours was drilled above the check valve. How can you drill the weep hole below the check valve if the check valve is connected directly to the pump.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Hi and thanks for asking! The fitting I attached to the pump housing was just a connection to attach my pipe. I put the check valve above (downstream) of the weep hole. If you put the weep hole downstream of the check valve then everything you are trying to pump out will just come down the pipe after the pump shuts off. In order: threaded fitting, pipe with weep hole, check valve, discharge pipe. I hope this helps!

[@musicman4christjesus]

The threaded fitting that you screwed in to the outlet of the pump was the check valve right? Would I need to add another check valve on the discharge hose outside of the basin?

[@deniseunknown4576]

So I’ve installed one before after watching a video. Same one you have. After 9 years it quit. I bought a new one & it won’t even turn on when submerged. The outlet works with other things so cannot figure out why the new sump pump won’t even kick on???

[@AnthonyDalBen]

After verifying power at the outlet I would toggle the float switch manually. If the pump doesn't kick on I would take it back.

[@deniseunknown4576]

Thank you so much that worked!

[@senfilatechnologies2938]

should not the weep hole be placed BETWEEN the pumps discharge port and the check valve?... you have it past the check valve???

[@AnthonyDalBen]

You are correct. It belongs between the discharge port and the check valve. That is where I put it:)

[@senfilatechnologies2938]

@@AnthonyDalBen Actually the weep hole above the check value totally defeats the purpose of the check value.. All the water will drain back into the well, potentially cycling the pump continuously. Perhaps you should update/clarify this video as a lot of people are getting advice from it.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

@@senfilatechnologies2938 Hi again and thank you for your concern. Please watch the video again. I state the weep hole belongs before the check valve which is where I put it. Yes, if the weep hole is after the check valve the water in a riser would completely drain out (to the level of the weep hole) which may cycle the pump back on depending on the diameter of the riser pipe and capacity of the sump. Can you give me a time stamp where I state the weep hole belongs any where else? I will be happy to make any clarification needed.

[@senfilatechnologies2938]

@@AnthonyDalBen MY apologies. Now I noticed at 6:47 the check valve IS above the weep hole. Sorry, I thought you connected the valve directly to the pump outlet. Once again my mistake and my sincerest apologies for any confusion I may have caused.

[@saoodsaeedbaig1847]

❤

[@georgeburns8447]

The most likely reason you'll have a pump that is running but not emptying the water is that the check valve is broken. What happens over time is that the valve breaks loose from the inside of the pipe. It's attached by just a thin piece of rubber that wears out from hundreds or thousands of open and close cycles. Once it has broken off, it will jam in the pipe from the upwards water pressure when the pump goes on and will not allow the water to exit. Just like a piece of debris that blocks a water pipe. For example, when you take a big smelly dump and your footlong log blocks the drain pipe when you go to flush the toilet.

[@Sidtube10]

Trying to understand if this is what is happening with my sump pump. After several years of use, my sump pump is just not pumping the water out. The water level just keep increasing bit by bit and the pump keep running continuously and the water gets fairly warm! I've manually emptied the water to prevent flooding and stop the pump - only to realize it kicks back in a day or two later. Can you please advise on what might be going on and what the potential fixes might be?

[@AnthonyDalBen]

If the water is getting warm it sounds like it might be air locked. The impeller spinning around might be causing the temperature rise. Does it sound like the pump is running? Is there a check valve? If there is enough room in the sump you might be able to hold the pump sideways and turn it on to help "prime" the pump. Holding it sideways would help fill the casing with water.

[@Sidtube10]

@@AnthonyDalBen You know what I emptied the barrel further down and see that the sump pump connection to the check valve had come apart. So the water is spraying out back into the barrel. So looks like I need to fix that connection. Will report if that fixes it! Thanks

[@Sidtube10]

@@AnthonyDalBen I did fix the connection of the sump pump with the check valve. But when I trigger the pump to run it still doesnt bring the water level down in the barrel! What could be going on? Appreciate your help. Thanks.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Does it sound like the pump is running? That's the first thing I'd verify. You should hear a low hum and feel a slight vibration in the discharge line. One of the great things about the weep hole is you know if its running or not. Like in the end of my video when you see water spraying out the side. Check the pump housing and look for a weep hole. If there's not one there then install some pipe and drill your own. Sounds like you are having the same issue I had!

[@Sidtube10]

@@AnthonyDalBen Had a handyman come over. The pump is certainly running. Checked it out well. Current guess is that there is blockage on the pipe exit outside the house...Likely frozen. Will see what is up!

[@niva1973]

My pump is rusted it need new screws but it also need oil as I was removing the rusted screws the oil came out what type of oil I need? And where to buy?

[@papiboom6969]

I would recommend you replace it as you don’t want to save money and take that risk I did the same thing and my crawl space got flooded and mold on my foundation Cost me 2k to fix it all

[@pilbomags488]

It's not rust, just silt staining, it does have the same color as rust but it's not...that;s normal

[@niva1973]

@@pilbomags488 thank but I need the oil that spilled or came out what is it the oil I mean

[@niva1973]

What kind of oil it is?

[@Katy809RD]

Ahh I guess this is why mine doesn’t work sometimes! My sump pump, when the water first go in after a few days dry, doesn’t pump the water. I nort ally have to take off the tubes and then it works.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

That's how I found out too:)

[@Katy809RD]

@@AnthonyDalBen so smart, I didn't think of it lol

[@heyitsthatoneguy91]

I believe thats 1.5"

[@charlesevans9916]

Brand new sump pump is shooting water out of a little hole near the bottom but not any water out of the discharge pipe. Why?

[@charlesevans9916]

Could the discharge pipr that goes out through the foudation be clogged with mud? By the way, outside my home,I can not find where the discharge pipe exits my house.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

It sounds like either your check valve is installed backwards or there is a clog in your line.

[@charlesevans9916]

The discharge line is clogged. I bypassed it with the flexible line that came with the new pump.

[@charlesevans9916]

By the way, I did not see a check valve in the box with the new pump. Pump is in the old basin in the crawl space under the house. Heavy rain last night. I didn't see any water getting pumped out. In the morning I will crawl back under the house to check on the new sump pump. I will look for an alarm that will sound when the water has risen above where it should have. My back yard area slopes down away from the house. I wonder why the builders didn't just install a kind of French drain in or under the foundation to have a constant drain off of water.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Ugh, a basin in a crawl space? That sounds brutal. I don't think most pumps come with a check valve. It's just one of the piping components you need to purchase at the same time - depending on the type of pump. If it's a pump with a float to turn it off and on you should get a check valve. If it's the type of pump you just turn on when you need to move some water a check valve might not be necessary.

[@craighardy8249]

Bought a rigid injector pump but it hums after it pump water out

[@AnthonyDalBen]

If the level in the sump is not going down but the pump is humming (running) then it is probably air locked. Another possibility is the pump is "dead heading" if it's not powerful enough to move the water (vertical distance).

[@rich-qk7dc]

@@AnthonyDalBen Most likely the float switch, which may be getting stuck, plugged in wrong or none existent depending on if you have a pedestal or submersible pump. In 36 years I've never seen airlock but thousands of stuck floats

[@shawnio]

I got into my sump and when I pulled out the pump it was covered in jelly, iron bacteria got to it somehow, tragic

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Sump pumps need love too! Might be able to salvage it with a little scrubbing?

[@kenstockton7793]

Thats why my sub pump isn't pumping

[@Preachermicial356]

Sump pump kicks off in water

[@j2collinwood]

Would have been a even better video than it actually is it is a good video but you could have put in whereabouts the whole might be.

[@AnthonyDalBen]

Thanks J. About a (possible) hole in the pump housing - I imagine every manufacturer puts it someplace different if they even use one at all. The best place for it is in the discharge piping you install downstream of the pump. I really wouldn't even waste your time looking for a hole in the housing because it might be pretty hard to find depending on how dirty or rusted it is and would just clog again in the future.

[@brandonkimmell6146]

My basement is flooding. Quick idea to get it flowing

[@willwill235]

Eff this just buy a new one and replace it lol