Hello, folks. We've had some heavy rain in bursts over the last week or so in my area. When I went downstairs last night, I heard the sump pump motor running steadily, and what I can only describe as a "sucking" sound, as if the pump was taking in a combination of air and water simulatenously. I unplugged the pump, left it off for several minutes, plugged it back in, and it picked up right where it left off. I then unplugged it for 2 hours, and when plugging it back in, the motor reengaged, and after several minutes of running, the sucking sound came back. So, having no threat of rain, I unplugged the pump for the night. Fast forward 8 hours, I plugged the pump in first thing this morning, and it didn't turn back on. Normally, I'd think this was a good thing, but I'm too cautious to believe that. My sump pump has a sealed cover over it, so I can't really see what's going on down there. Any advice as to how I can test? Is it conceivable or even likely that unplugging the unit for 8 hours could have reset/remedied this problem? I really don't know that much about these things, so appreciate any feedback that could help.

Thank you!

In a word, no.

Sounds like you have a stuck or defective float.

If you have the pedestal type (the motor is outside and above the sump crock cover) you can move the float rod up and down to turn the pump motor on and off. Lift the rod up and turn the motor on. Let go and the rod should drop back down and turn the motor off.
If you have the submersible type (everything is down in the sump crock) you will have to remove the cover and see if the float ball actually floats in water and if it drops down and turns the motor off when the water has been emptied.

Yup, good idea to remove the lid and examine this. Heck, I never have seen a reason to put a cover over a sump pump. Here, you really should get in the habit of periodically checking the sump pump every time you think a storm is coming. Otherwise, you'll only find out there is an issue AFTER the place has flooded, right?

I would strongly suggest purchasing a new pump if the old pump is really old. I would also suggest purchasing a simple battery-powered water alarm (about $10.00 at Home Depot) and setting it next to the sump pit (cover off, in my opinion) so that you will at least get a warning if that pump fails some time down the road!

Good luck!

Mark